Mogotsi to appeal latest bail denial

Alleged political fixer, Brown Mogotsi’s, lawyer says they will appeal the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court’s decision to deny him bail for a second time.

The court dismissed Mogotsi’s latest bid for freedom, ruling that the new facts presented by his legal team were insufficient to warrant his release.

Mogotsi was arrested shortly after appearing before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in May.

He faces charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, perjury, and defeating the ends of justice.

The charges stem from allegations that he staged his own assassination attempt in Vosloorus last year, claims he has consistently denied.

Conflicting residential addresses provided by Mogotsi have been a key point of contention in both bail applications.

In dismissing his first bail application, Magistrate Annelise Thlapi, said the court had considered the strength of the State’s case, ballistic evidence linking cartridges found at the scene to other serious crimes, and concerns over conflicting addresses provided by Mogotsi during the investigation.

The court heard that investigators were unable to verify the addresses provided by Mogotsi and his wife, while evidence suggested he had been difficult to trace during the investigation.

Magistrate Thlapi found that these factors raised concerns that Mogotsi could evade trial if released on bail.

Mogotsi’s lawyer, Makau Sekgatja, has also rubbished claims that his client attempted to intimidate witnesses.

“I think if one looks at it, she was basically irritated that they were actually coming to her house requesting this particular information. And it’s not necessarily intimidation.

“If one looks at the elements of a crime of intimidation, there was none whatsoever of intimidation which was actually caused against her.”

The 47-year-old is expected to return to court on 8 July, when a trial date is expected to be set.