By Johnathan Paoli
The Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday denied bail to North West businessman and political fixer Brown Mogotsi, after finding that he had failed to provide a reliable address where he could be traced if released.
Magistrate Annalise Tlhapi said Mogotsi’s uncertain residential details weighed heavily against his release.
“[T]he court found that there is no proper address for the applicant. And it will be difficult for the state to trace him. And there may be a likelihood that he will evade his trial. Therefore, interest of justice does not permit his release,” Thlapi said.
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The court said it was mindful that bail proceedings were not a form of punishment and that Mogotsi remained presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Mogotsi faces charges including perjury, defeating the ends of justice, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and discharging a firearm in a public place.
The charges stem from an alleged staged shooting incident in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni, on 3 November 2025.
Mogotsi allegedly told police he had been driving alone when occupants of another vehicle followed him and fired several shots at his car, forcing him to flee on foot.
According to the State, investigators found that Mogotsi had allegedly stopped the vehicle, got out while armed with a firearm and fired several shots at his own car.
Police responding to the scene found a red/maroon Chevrolet Aveo with bullet holes, as well as spent 9mm cartridge casings near the vehicle.
Investigators allege that Mogotsi’s original account was contradicted by witness statements, CCTV footage, ballistic evidence, and crime scene reconstruction.
In opposing bail, prosecutor advocate Thami Mpekana previously argued that Mogotsi had failed to cooperate with investigators and had frustrated attempts to obtain a statement from him.
The State also alleged that police had struggled for months to trace him after the incident, visiting several addresses linked to him, including residential and business premises in Mmabatho, without locating him.
Reading from the investigating officer’s statement during earlier proceedings, Mpekana said several meetings had been arranged with Mogotsi to obtain a statement, but that he either failed to arrive or did not honour appointments.
The court heard that different documents reflected different addresses, including properties allegedly belonging to private individuals and a municipal property leased to another person.
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Investigators who visited the locations said none could conclusively be linked to Mogotsi.
The court rejected the defence argument that inconsistencies in the address and lease documents were merely clerical errors, finding that Mogotsi had failed to provide satisfactory proof of a fixed and verifiable residence.
The State also alleged that Mogotsi attempted to bribe the investigating officer, an allegation his defence has denied.
Mogotsi was arrested in May after appearing before the Madlanga Commission.
The matter was postponed to 12 June.
