Thursday (16/10) evening’s raid is the latest development in a growing political storm, linking Brown Mogotsi to high-level interference in police operations and ongoing national investigations. He was previously named by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as having unauthorised access to confidential police information.

Mogotsi is also accused of being part of a campaign to disband the political murders task team, a key investigative unit within the police service.

Mkhwanazi’s claims have triggered parliamentary and judicial scrutiny, including inquiries by the Madlanga commission.

Personal safety questioned

Speaking to SABC News after the raid, Mogotsi said he had prior knowledge of the operation through media reports, but the manner of execution left him shaken and questioning his personal safety.

“I thought they were going to have the decency to call me and say we are looking to seize whatever and make arrangements. However, we arranged because I’m in Johannesburg, they will do it through my lawyer.

“I’m just worried they are now doing this with rifles, more than 20 police officers in balaclavas, and my life now ... I really don’t know if I should meet with them. Why would you come from KZN, having 20 rifles, to look for a man like me just to take my cellphones, gadgets, things like that?”

While police maintained the operation was part of an ongoing investigation, Mogotsi continued to deny any wrongdoing and claimed there was no evidence linking him to any illegal activity. He was willing to cooperate with the authorities, but under secure and transparent conditions.

“I will hand over my cell phone to the authorities, but I am first waiting to see whether they will be using the gadgets they took from my business premises as evidence before the Madlanga commission.”

His concern is not about the investigation itself, he said, but about the threat to his life.

“The handover of other gadgets should be done during the day, as most suspects are shot and killed in KZN. I am not scared to hand over my gadgets, but I fear for my life.”

The timing of the raid coincided with renewed investigations by parliament and the Madlanga commission into Mkhwanazi’s explosive allegations of political interference in police operations.

Mogotsi recently clashed with ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula, accusing him of exploiting his name in a political smear campaign targeting suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi  cvs