The Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court is expected to hand down judgment in businessman and self-described political fixer Brown Mogotsi’s latest bid for bail as he remains behind bars over allegations that he orchestrated a fake assassination attempt.
Mogotsi is facing charges including perjury, defeating the ends of justice, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and discharging a firearm in a public place. Prosecutors allege he staged a shooting incident in Vosloorus in November 2025 before falsely reporting that unknown gunmen had tried to kill him.
The State has strongly opposed his release, arguing that the evidence against him is compelling and that there is a risk he could interfere with witnesses and the ongoing investigation if granted bail. During earlier proceedings, prosecutors alleged witnesses saw Mogotsi leave his vehicle and fire shots at it before claiming he had survived an assassination attempt.
In an earlier ruling refusing bail, the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court found that the State had presented a strong prima facie case. The court also raised concerns over inconsistencies regarding Mogotsi’s residential address, saying they made it difficult to establish where he could be monitored should he be released.
Despite that setback, Mogotsi has launched a fresh bail application based on what his legal team describes as “new facts.” His lawyer previously expressed confidence that the new application would persuade the court to release his client pending trial.
The case has attracted significant public attention because of Mogotsi’s prominence in recent investigations into alleged political interference in law enforcement. He was arrested shortly after giving testimony before the Madlanga Commission, where he made explosive claims about alleged corruption and links between politicians, police officials and businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Should the court once again refuse bail, Mogotsi will remain in custody while the criminal case proceeds through the courts. His matter has already been postponed for further pre-trial processes, including the disclosure of the State’s docket and preparations for trial.
Bongi Sikelo 