Brown Mogotsi’s third bail bid hit by alleged escape plot

Alleged political fixer, Brown Mogotsi’s, third attempt to secure bail has been dealt a major blow after the State revealed an alleged plot to escape from custody by disguising himself in a Correctional Services uniform.

Mogotsi appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday for his latest bail application, with his defence presenting what it described as new facts aimed at addressing concerns raised during his previous attempts to secure release.

However, the State countered with an affidavit from investigating officer, Alfred Robert Odendaal, detailing the alleged escape plot.

State prosecutor, Thami Mpekana, told the court that Correctional Services alerted authorities on 20 August that Mogotsi was allegedly planning to escape from custody.

According to the affidavit, Mogotsi allegedly intended to disguise himself in a correctional official’s uniform and walk out of the court cells. Officials subsequently placed him in leg irons after being alerted to the alleged plan.

The State argues that the alleged plot strengthens its case that Mogotsi remains a serious flight risk.

Prosecutors also questioned his residential arrangements, pointing to new addresses in Mahikeng and Johannesburg that were not disclosed during his previous bail application.

The investigating officer further alleges that Mogotsi has no permanent ties to either address and could potentially interfere with witnesses.

However, the defence has sought to address those concerns by presenting two residential options to the court.

Defence lawyer, Nthabiseng Mahomani, told the court that Mogotsi’s wife had secured a new home in Mahikeng after discovering that their previous landlord was not the legal owner of the property.

The defence also submitted an affidavit from family friend, Dipuo Chabana, offering Mogotsi accommodation at her Johannesburg home so he could consult with his legal team and comply with potential bail reporting conditions.

The defence further argued that a previous intimidation allegation involving Mogotsi and his wife had been dismissed, saying this should be considered a material new fact in support of bail.

Mahomani submitted docket evidence indicating that prosecutors had declined to pursue the intimidation allegation, which the defence says removes another obstacle that previously stood in the way of Mogotsi’s release.

The State continues to oppose bail, maintaining that Mogotsi remains a flight risk and could potentially influence witnesses if released.

Mogotsi has spent more than three months in custody and faces charges linked to an alleged staged assassination attempt in Vosloorus last year.

The matter has been postponed to 1 September, when the court is expected to continue hearing his third bail application.

JUST IN: The JHB High Court heard Brown Mogotsi allegedly planned to escape court on 20 August disguised in a correctional official’s uniform.

An IO says he was alerted to the plan and later saw Mogotsi in court wearing leg irons.

Mogotsi is making his 3rd bail bid. #YNews pic.twitter.com/LvqXER8FnI

— Ndashe (@ndasheii) August 25, 2026

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe