Parliament’s portfolio committee on international relations chairperson Supra Mahumapelo has chosen to stay mum about the role played by Brown Mogotsi in his removal as North West Premier.
However, Mahumapelo says there was a bullet with his name on it during the politically toxic period that forced him out of office prematurely.
Following the earthshattering press briefing by KZN provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that unearthed Mogotsi as a highly connected operator, it emerged that the man had also been central to Mahumapelo’s removal.
Forced out of office
Mahumapelo was forced out of office in 2018 following his support of Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma at the Nasrec 1 national elective conference of the ANC.
The Brown Mogotsi Foundation was, among other tools, used to push Mahumapelo out of office. But because at the time, Mogotsi was a relatively unknown figure, no one ever paid attention.
However, after Mkhwanazi’s revelations that have led to the establishment of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, Mogotsi has emerged as one of the people of interest in political developments within the ANC.
His role in Ramaphosa’s CR17 campaign as one of the runners in the North West has been established, as has his role in dethroning the man affectionately known as “Black Jesus” in the province.
But Mahumapelo has since elected not to react publicly following several requests by media houses.
Mahumapelo said he did not want to muddy the waters of several portfolio committees probing the police top brass wars involving Mogotsi.
Death threats
However, he confirms that his ousting as premier was so toxic that he even received death threats.
“Mr Mahumapelo received threats that if he did not get out of the position, he would be killed. Threats on his life are due to political interference. And evidence will be presented before the constituted committees as and when required,” reads a statement released by his office in parliament.
“Mr Mahumapelo, has since the media briefing given by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, received requests from the media to comment on his removal from the position of Premier of the North West province.
Unavailable for comments
“Mr Mahumapelo is unavailable for media interviews and for comment. On the grounds that, among other things, he is a Member of Parliament. Parliament has established processes and procedures for the Portfolio Committee on Police, the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, and the Standing Committee on Intelligence relating to the national security allegations.”
Mogotsi was outed by Mkhwanazi as an “associate” of police minister Senzo Mchunu. The latter has since been placed on special leave.
Mkhwanazi also linked Mogotsi to murder accused Vusi “Cat” Matlala. He also confessed to having received classified police information from the man.
