Ballistic evidence, address disputes at centre of Brown Mogotsi bail battle

The Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court has reserved judgment in the bail application of alleged political fixer, Brown Mogotsi, as prosecutors continue to oppose his release over concerns linked to ballistic evidence and alleged discrepancies surrounding his residential address.

Mogotsi appeared in court on Thursday for the second day of his bail proceedings, with the State arguing that evidence before the court raises concerns he may abscond if granted bail.

The controversial businessman who was arrested shortly after testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, is accused of staging his own attempted assassination in Vosloorus in November last year. He has denied the allegations against him.

The State on Thursday revealed that the 9mm firearm allegedly used in the attempted assassination has been linked through ballistic evidence to two separate criminal cases.

State prosecutor, Thami Mpekana, told the court that the ballistic links form part of the State’s opposition to Mogotsi’s release on bail.

The court also heard that the State intends seeking strict bail conditions should Mogotsi be released, including the surrender of his passport and regular reporting to a police station.

In addition to the firearm allegations, prosecutors also challenged the residential address Mogotsi submitted to the court.

According to an affidavit read into the record by Mpekana, investigators conducted a verification visit to a property in Mahikeng linked to Mogotsi and allegedly uncovered discrepancies between his claims and official municipal records.

The State alleges that the lease agreement presented at the property is in another person’s name, while municipal officials confirmed that the residence belongs to the Mahikeng Local Municipality and is not tribal land.

Investigators further claimed they could not locate documentation or significant personal belongings linking Mogotsi directly to the residence.

The State argued that the contradictions surrounding the address strengthen concerns that Mogotsi may evade trial if released on bail.

Mogotsi’s legal representative, Nthabiseng Mohomelo, however, dismissed the address issue as a technical error and argued that her client has cooperated fully with authorities.

Mogotsi remains in custody, with judgment in the bail application reserved for next week Thursday.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe