Madlanga Commission Rejects Mogotsi Recusal Bid

Pretoria, South Africa - The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into alleged political interference and criminal infiltration in law enforcement structures dismissed an application on Friday, May 15, 2026, by witness Oupa "Brown" Mogotsi to recuse chief evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson, allowing proceedings against the North West businessman to continue under Chaskalson's questioning.

Commission chairperson Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga delivered the ruling at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College, stating that detailed reasons would follow in the coming weeks. The decision came after a daylong hearing where Mogotsi's lawyer, Advocate Nthabiseng Mohumane, argued that WhatsApp messages and calls between her client and Chaskalson created a perception of bias. Mogotsi claimed Chaskalson had pressured him to provide incriminating evidence against North West businessman Suliman Carrim and offered protection in return.

Commissioners challenged the application repeatedly. Commissioner Sesi Baloyi questioned why Mogotsi, who initiated the communications and offered information on Carrim, would later allege bias, noting selective presentation of messages omitted context such as Mogotsi's...