Mogotsi, Matlala WhatsApp texts presented as evidence at Inquiry

Crime Intelligence Head Dumisani Khumalo testifying in the Madlanga Commission in Pretoria on September 29, 2025.

WhatsApp messages between alleged Police Minister Senzo Mchunu associate Brown Mogotsi and alleged cartel member Vusi ‘Cat’ Matlala have formed part of Crime Intelligence Head Dumisani Khumalo’s testimony on Tuesday morning.

The Commission is on its 10th day of testimonies, with Khumalo on his second day on the stand.

The WhatsApp messages between the pair include a recurring theme about the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), a court case date, and a 25% deposit that Mogotsi has requested from Matlala.

Khumalo says analysis conducted by crime intelligence found that the court date was in connection with the return of Matlala’s firearms. This is after they were seized during a raid police at his premises in the first week of December.

He says, “The next message reads: ‘My brother, how are the court proceedings? According to our analysis and interpretation of the message, we are aware of the fact that after the compliance inspection operation, Mr. Vusimuzi Matala initiated an urgent court application for the return of the firearms that were confiscated.”

Link between Mogotsi, Matlala and Mchunu

Khumalo has also revealed a link between Brown Mogotsi, Vusumuzi Matlala and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.

Some of the WhatsApp messages document payments made to a third party, from Matlala, facilitated by Mogotsi.

Khumalo explains the messages, “The communication now is on Tuesday, the following day – as reflected partly on top, page 12 – where Mr Brown Mogotsi received the message from the number saved as for Senzo Mchunu on his phone, with the message: ‘Was the arrest effected? At 19h19 …”