Mogotsi defence demands cellphone records as trial preparations are delayed

Controversial businessman, Oupa Brown Mogotsi’s, latest court appearance has taken an unexpected turn, with his defence demanding cellphone records from key State witnesses as it prepares to challenge the case against him.

The alleged political fixer appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where proceedings were expected to focus on trial date arrangements.

Instead, his defence served the State with a Section 87 notice seeking further particulars and additional evidence.

Among the evidence sought are Section 205 subpoenas for cellphone records belonging to key State witnesses who allegedly witnessed the November 2025 shooting incident in Vosloorus.

The defence says the records are crucial to testing the credibility of the witnesses and preparing Mogotsi’s case.

Mogotsi has been in custody since his arrest in May and has now been denied bail four times.

His first bail application was dismissed in June. He subsequently made further applications, including an appeal to the Johannesburg High Court, before launching his fourth application on new facts in August.

That application was dismissed by Magistrate Annalise Tlhapi on 22 September.

The latest bail proceedings were also overshadowed by allegations that Mogotsi had planned to escape from court custody by disguising himself as a Correctional Services official.

The State told the court that the alleged plan was intercepted by correctional authorities before it could be carried out. Additional security measures were reportedly put in place, including surveillance and the use of leg irons when Mogotsi was brought to court.

Mogotsi denied planning an escape or arranging to disguise himself as a correctional official.

The State alleges that Mogotsi staged an assassination attempt on himself in Vosloorus in November last year. He faces charges including perjury, defeating or obstructing the administration of justice, and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

His latest appearance was postponed to 7 October, when the State is expected to respond to the defence’s request for further particulars.

Mogotsi will remain in custody until then.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe