ANC Cuts Ties with Oupa Brown Mogotsi Over Crime Links

ANC Formally Severs Ties with Oupa Brown Mogotsi, Citing "Organised Criminal Activity" and Madlanga Commission Evidence

JOHANNESBURG – In a decisive move to protect its reputation, the African National Congress (ANC) has publicly confirmed that Mr. Oupa Brown Mogotsi is not a member of the party and has formally distanced itself from him amid serious allegations of organized crime, some of which were detailed in testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

In an official statement issued on October 3, 2025, the party confirmed that Mogotsi's membership had expired and unequivocally condemned the criminal syndicates he is alleged to be involved with.

"The ANC wishes to make it clear: we distance ourselves unequivocally from any form of organised criminal activity," the party stated. "Crime and corruption are the enemies of development and democracy."

READ: Madlanga Commission Exposes WhatsApp Chats Tying Number saved as Senzo Mchunu to Brown Mogotsi, and Cat Matlala to brown mogosi |

Leveraging Political Connections for "Underworld" Liaison

The ANC's strong-worded statement follows explosive testimony at the Madlanga Commission, which exposed WhatsApp exchanges between Mogotsi and an alleged underworld figure, Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala.

The messages revealed a sophisticated operation where Mogotsi allegedly acted as a facilitator and political fixer. Key revelations from the chats include:

• Facilitating Payments: Mogotsi allegedly used a Mahikeng-based firm to channel payments to Matlala for "protection" and to secure access to sensitive South African Police Service (SAPS) documents.
• Influencing Police Work: The messages detailed how Mogotsi leveraged his connections to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu in an attempt to disband the Political Killings Task Team—a specialized unit investigating politically-motivated murders.
• Securing Contracts: Mogotsi allegedly worked to secure a police contract for Matlala.
• Manipulating Institutions: The chats included discussions about manipulating the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), shielding tenders, and managing prison communications.

ANC Invokes Constitution to Bar Future Membership

The ANC’s statement went beyond a simple denial of current membership. It proactively outlined the constitutional mechanisms that would prevent Mogotsi, or any individual implicated in similar activities, from rejoining the party.

The party specifically invoked:

• Rule 4.11: Which allows the Secretary-General to reject a membership application if it was "obtained invalidly," even after the fact.
• Rule 4.16: Which requires a solemn declaration by new members to join "without motives of material advantage or personal gain."
• Rule 25.17.4: Which prohibits conduct that brings the movement into "disrepute," explicitly categorizing collaboration with "counter-revolutionary" organized crime syndicates as a disciplinary offence.

"The ANC will act firmly and without hesitation against any of its members found to be involved in criminal activity," the statement read, pledging to refer such cases to its Integrity Commission and law enforcement agencies.

READ: Protection Racket or Con? Mogotsi's Relentless Cash Demands Exposed in Madlanga Commission Bombshell |

A Stance on Renewal and Public Trust

By taking this firm public stance, the ANC aims to reinforce its ongoing narrative of internal renewal and ethical governance. The statement positioned organized crime syndicates as "counter-revolutionary networks" that undermine state capacity and fuel corruption.

"Those who betray its values for greed, criminality or factional interests are not acting in the name of the ANC," the party asserted, reminding the public that the movement is "bigger than any individual."

READ: Explosive WhatsApp chats Revelations Put Spotlight on Cat Matlala and Police Connections |

This case represents a critical test for the ANC's ability to self-police and distance itself from individuals whose alleged actions, as revealed by the Madlanga Commission, suggest a deep entanglement between criminal interests and political access.