By Marcus Moloko
Alleged political fixer Brown Mogotsi is set to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday to face charges of defeating the ends of justice.
The case stems from allegations that Mogotsi staged his own assassination attempt in Vosloorus in November, when his red Chevrolet sedan was riddled with bullets.
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Mogotsi claimed he had been hijacked, and police are probing inconsistencies, which include the firearm recovered at the scene having been linked to other crimes.
His arrest on Friday evening, executed under a J50 warrant by a multidisciplinary SAPS team, came less than an hour after he concluded testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
The commission is investigating political interference, corruption, and the leakage of confidential police information within the justice system.
Mogotsi has taken a defiant stance before commissioners, refusing to provide further answers and insisting he would not incriminate himself.
On Friday, he repeatedly invoked his right against self-incrimination.
He has also accused senior counsel of bias, and claimed Advocate Matthew Chaskalson, the commission’s chief evidence leader, branded him a “professional liar.”
His bid to have Chaskalson recused was unsuccessful last week, leaving him to face continued questioning under the advocate’s leadership.
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The state alleges Mogotsi orchestrated the staged shooting to mislead investigators and bolster claims of being targeted by rivals.
His network of connections has attracted scrutiny.
Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu admitted knowing Mogotsi after initially denying any relationship, further fueling controversy around his influence.
Mogotsi spent the weekend behind bars, with his legal team expected to apply for bail on Monday. The prosecution is anticipated to oppose his release, to argue that the charges, which may expand to include possession of an unlicensed firearm and discharging a weapon in a municipal area, are too serious to allow him back on the streets.
The case adds another layer to Mogotsi’s already controversial profile, intertwining courtroom drama with the broader revelations of the Madlanga Commission. It was under cross-examination by members of parliament, where Mogotsi admitted under oath to having previous convictions on his record.
