A trail of WhatsApp messages produced at the Madlanga Commission laid bare how businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala slammed Brown Mogotsi for repeatedly extorting money from him while failing to deliver on his promises.

The messages, presented during the testimony of SAPS Crime Intelligence Head, Dumisani Khumalo on Tuesday, reveal that Matlala paid hundreds of thousands of rands to Mogotsi, allegedly to secure favours, political cover, and access to high-level ANC events.

Khumalo testified that some of the funds, from Medicare24’s Tshwane District account, were funneled into Gotlhe Specialists — a company believed to have links to the broader political network under scrutiny.

The relationship began to sour in early January when Mogotsi urged Matlala to pay R111,000 for a “Silver package” table at the ANC’s Presidential Business Forum (PBF) event on January 8. Despite concerns, Matlala paid — but not without resistance.

In a tense exchange, Mogotsi messaged Matlala, saying: “Will u still assist us with entertainment?”

Matlala pushed back, replying: “I don’t understand this whole arrangement. I partly did it to show interest, but from now on I prefer to have a proper structure.”

Mogotsi responded with a guilt-laced plea: “You said you were going to organise something for us here. Drinks and food. You did your best… It is not nice to be getting so much without doing anything in return.”

He then requested, “Even R15k will cover until Sunday.”

By March, tensions escalated as Mogotsi requested another R10,000.

A clearly frustrated Matlala replied: “This relationship shouldn’t be one-sided, brother. I asked you several favours — not even money-related — and none have been attended to. I’ve played my part, stretched my arm, but none of my efforts are considered.”

Khumalo told the commission that these messages signaled Matlala’s growing frustration and disillusionment, particularly over failed efforts to shield his R360 million government contract — now under investigation.

“He was showing signs of losing hope,” Khumalo said, explaining that Matlala expected political interference to halt the probe but was left exposed.

The fallout prompted Matlala to threaten legal action to challenge the pending cancellation of the lucrative contract.

In a twist, Mogotsi shifted blame higher up the political chain, suggesting that Minister Senzo Mchunu had personally ordered the contract’s cancellation — a claim yet to be tested.

The Commission resumes on Wednesday with Khumalo expected to delve deeper into the explosive links between private money, public contracts, and political manipulation.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

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