Alleged political fixer Brown Mogotsi is set to learn the outcome of his latest bail bid in the Johannesburg Magistrates Court. Mogotsi was arrested in May and has remained in custody since then. He is facing charges including defeating the ends of justice and perjury in connection with allegations that he staged his own attempted assassination in November last year. This is Mogotsi's latest attempt to secure bail after previous bids were denied.
Mogotsi's latest bail application relies on what he claims are new facts. His lawyer, Nthabiseng Mohomane, presented a new address in Mafikeng and a Johannesburg address, which he said can be verified. The Mafikeng property is reportedly a family's home that has been converted into a business. Mogotsi has opted to use the Johannesburg address to make it easier to meet any bail conditions the court might impose.
However, the State is opposing Mogotsi's bail application. They argue that the Johannesburg address does not constitute a new fact, as it was in existence since May, prior to his arrest. The State also expressed concerns that Mogotsi can move quickly between addresses, which could make it difficult to track him down if he is released on bail.
During the bail bid, Mogotsi's lawyer challenged the State's allegations that Mogotsi had attempted to escape from custody. Mohomane claimed that these allegations were fabricated and that there was no evidence to support them. Mogotsi also accused the investigating officer of having a personal vendetta against him.
The State, however, maintains that Mogotsi is a flight risk and has previously allegedly attempted to interfere with a witness. They argue that Mogotsi's history of providing unverifiable addresses and his alleged attempts to evade justice justify denying him bail.
Mogotsi has previously been denied bail and had approached the High Court in an unsuccessful bid to overturn the decision. His latest bail application is his fifth attempt to secure release from custody. The court will consider the new facts presented and make a decision on Mogotsi's bail bid.
The outcome of Mogotsi's bail bid will be closely watched, given the high-profile nature of his case. Mogotsi's allegations of a personal vendetta against him and the State's concerns about his potential to evade justice will likely play a significant role in the court's decision.
Key points
- Mogotsi's latest bail application relies on new facts, including a new address in Mafikeng and a Johannesburg address.
- The State is opposing Mogotsi's bail application, citing concerns that he is a flight risk and has previously allegedly attempted to interfere with a witness.
- Mogotsi has previously been denied bail and had approached the High Court in an unsuccessful bid to overturn the decision.
