'I only met Mogotsi once': Nkabinde tells parliamentary inquiry

CEDRICK Nkabinde, chief of staff of suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, said yesterday that he met controversial North West and ANC-aligned businessman Brown Mogotsi once when he facilitated a meeting on behalf of the minister.

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA [e-mail]

Continuing his testimony at the parliamentary inquiry probing allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, Nkabinde said Mchunu had, on August 24, 2024, instructed him to make arrangements for him to go and visit Stilfontein, where there was a crisis of illegal miners.

"It was at this meeting that the minister provided me with contact details of Mr Mogotsi from North West. The minister instructed that I should contact Mr Mogotsi and ask him to come with local leaders to brief him on the situation before his visit," he said.

A meeting was scheduled for Mogotsi and four of his "comrades" on October 28, 2024, at Mchunu's official residence.

"I facilitated all logistical arrangements for the meeting, which proceeded as scheduled. I did not attend this meeting and therefore was unable to confirm the discussions that were had in that meeting."

Nkabinde said he did not know the rationale for Mchunu to call Mogotsi to a meeting with local leaders.

He also said it was the first and last time he had met Mogotsi in October 2024.