Brown Mogotsi, a self-described political fixer, is back in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court as his legal team pushes for additional information from the state before the criminal case proceeds to trial. Mogotsi faces charges including unlawful possession of a firearm, discharging a firearm in a built-up area, perjury, and defeating the ends of justice. These charges stem from allegations that he staged an assassination attempt against himself in Vosloorus, east of Johannesburg, in November last year.
During Mogotsi's previous court appearance on 1 October, his lawyers served the state with a notice seeking further particulars and additional evidence. The defence argued that this information is necessary to properly prepare Mogotsi's case. The information sought includes cellphone records and employment records relating to state witness A5. The defence is also seeking proof of residence for witnesses A5 and A6, unredacted witness statements, and images extracted from video footage recorded at the scene of the alleged shooting.
The defence has indicated that the cellphone records are crucial in testing the credibility of witnesses who allegedly have information about the November 2025 incident. The state is expected to respond to these requests during the current proceedings. The case has been delayed as the parties address the disclosure of evidence, with the court previously expected to focus on arrangements to set a trial date. Mogotsi has remained in custody since his arrest in May.
The Johannesburg Magistrate's Court dismissed Mogotsi's fourth application for bail on 22 September. The court found that the addresses Mogotsi provided did not amount to new facts and concluded that he remained a flight risk. The state has previously alleged that he attempted to escape from custody, although Mogotsi has denied planning an escape. The prosecution alleges that Mogotsi staged the Vosloorus shooting and subsequently misled police about what happened.
The National Prosecuting Authority has said Mogotsi faces charges arising from the alleged incident, including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a built-up area, defeating or obstructing the administration of justice, and perjury. The defence has disputed the state's version of events and is challenging the evidence against Mogotsi. The latest court proceedings aim to determine how the outstanding disclosure issues will be dealt with and what the next steps will be towards the trial.
Mogotsi's lawyers are seeking cellphone records, witness information, and other evidence from the state to prepare his defence. The defence team believes that these records will help test the credibility of the state's witnesses and challenge the evidence against Mogotsi. The state will respond to these requests during the current proceedings, which may lead to further delays in the case.
The case will continue with the court determining the next steps towards the trial. Mogotsi has been in custody since May and his bail applications have been dismissed. The prosecution and defence will continue to engage on the disclosure of evidence, and the court will monitor the progress of the case.
Key points
- The defence is seeking additional evidence from the state, including cellphone records and witness information.
- Mogotsi faces charges including unlawful possession of a firearm and perjury.
- The case has been delayed due to the disclosure of evidence.
