Madlanga Inquiry Questions Mogotsi's Sick Note Validity; Shibiri Denies Bribery Allegations

The Madlanga inquiry has questioned the validity of a sick note submitted by political fixer Brown Mogotsi after he failed to appear for his scheduled testimony on Monday. Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, chairing the commission, described the medical report as 'useless' because it only stated 'medical condition' without specifying an illness.

Madlanga expressed frustration over what has become a recurring issue of subpoenaed witnesses submitting last-minute sick notes. He emphasized that such behavior affects the commission's work and announced plans to review the medical certificate with the relevant council governing the medical profession.

'We are not going to sit here and continue receiving useless medical certificates like the last one, and like yours appears to be,' Madlanga told Mogotsi during a hearing. The commission will consider whether Mogotsi is in contempt of subpoena when it resumes on Wednesday.

Mogotsi apologized for his absence, stating he had not been feeling well since the previous Friday and was still unwell. He agreed to allow the commission to submit his sick note to the medical council for professional review, expressing confidence in the confidentiality of such interactions.

The commission spokesperson, Jeremy Michaels, previously mentioned that the commission has remedies to deal with witnesses who do not cooperate, including finding them in contempt or applying for an arrest warrant if necessary. The commission is now hearing evidence from suspended Gauteng head of crime intelligence Maj-Gen Richard Shibiri, who has been implicated in allegations involving bribery and associations with suspected cartel members.

Shibiri denied receiving R80,000 as a gift from Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, asserting that it was a personal loan of R70,000 intended for his son's car repairs. He testified that he repaid the loan using funds from selling livestock and his savings. Shibiri also denied any quid pro quo or operational favours related to the loan, stating that Matlala did not request nor receive any investigative intervention or preferential treatment.

Shibiri addressed allegations that he attempted to influence the bail application of Detective Michael Tau by warning investigators against accepting bribes. He claimed his statements were meant to safeguard the integrity of the investigation and protect the officers from risks associated with serious schedule six offences. Shibiri attributed his suspension to 'misinformation and incorrect public impressions.' The commission will continue hearing Shibiri's testimony on Friday.