Brown Mogotsi Fails to Appear Before Madlanga Commission, Political Fixer Claims He Is Unwell

• Brown Mogotsi was scheduled to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on 2 February 2026, but did not do so
• Evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC provided more details about why the political fixer was not there in person
• The commissioners are considering what action, if any, will be taken against the North West businessman over his actions

Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

GAUTENG – Brown Mogotsi will not be appearing before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry as planned.

The political fixer, who is alleged to be the link between Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu and controversial tenderpreneur, Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, was due to appear before the Commission on 2 February 2026.

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That appearance has now been postponed due to medical reasons.

What happened to Mogotsi?

When proceedings got underway on Monday, 2 February, evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC informed the commissioners that Mogotsi was ill and would not be appearing.

Advocate Chaskalson said that the political fixer would go to a doctor and furnish the Commission with a medical certificate.

He added that the North West businessman had been cooperative in the past and asked that he be given a chance to furnish the Commission with a doctor’s note.

Mogotsi could be deemed in contempt of the Commission

Responding to Advocate Chaskalson’s update, Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga said that, but for his request, Mogotsi is in contempt until he produces a medical certificate.

He added that the Commission could initiate the necessary legal processes against him because he was in contempt, but due to the evidence leader’s request, they would not do so yet.

The Commission has now been postponed for Wednesday, 4 February, to decide what action to take, if any, about Mogotsi’s no-show. Major-General Richard Shibiri, Head of Organised Crime for the South African Police Service (SAPS), will take the stand on 4 February as well.

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Mogotsi submits medical certificate to commission

Later in the day, the commission's Jeremy Michaels confirmed that the North West business submitted a medical certificate.

“The commission can confirm that Mr Mogotsi has submitted a medical certificate and that it will be considered at the next sitting on Wednesday morning,” Michaels said.

The commission will not hold hearings on 3 March 2026, due to the unavalibilty of one of the commissioners.

Other stories of ill Madlanga Commission witnesses

Briefly News reported that a few Madlanga Commission witnesses have taken ill, prompting a rescheduling of proceedings.

• In October 2025, the South African Police Service (SAPS) announced that an investigation into the illness of General Dumisani Khumalo would be launched.
• Deputy National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya's appearance had to be rescheduled after he fell ill as well.
• Witness F asked to be excused during his testimony on 4 February 2026, saying he was unwell and needed to see a doctor.

Source: Briefly News