Mogotsi to reapply for bail amid residential address dispute

Alleged political fixer, Brown Mogotsi, is set to return to the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on 22 June with a fresh bail application, as his legal team moves to address concerns that led to the dismissal of his initial bid for release.

Mogotsi remains behind bars after the court last week denied him bail, finding that he had failed to show that the interests of justice favoured his release. Among the issues raised by the court were conflicting residential addresses and the strength of the State’s case against him.

During brief pre-trial proceedings on Friday, Mogotsi’s lawyer, Makau Sekgatja, informed the court that the defence intends to bring a new bail application based on what it describes as “new facts” that have already been disclosed to the State.

Sekgatja said the application will focus largely on clarifying Mogotsi’s residential address, which featured prominently in the bail ruling. He added that the defence is confident the additional information will address the court’s concerns and demonstrate that the address provided by Mogotsi is legitimate.

Sekgatja also revealed that his client remains frustrated by his continued detention and believes he should be out on bail. Despite the setback, the defence remains confident that the new evidence will strengthen Mogotsi’s case for release.

Mogotsi faces charges including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, perjury, and defeating the ends of justice. Prosecutors allege he staged his own assassination attempt in Vosloorus last year, allegations he has denied.

The matter has been postponed to 22 June, when Mogotsi is expected to formally launch his fresh bail application based on the new facts.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe