Hit attempt on Brown Mogotsi: Car riddled with bullets in Vosloorus shooting

Mogotsi

Cape Town – The South African Police Service (SAPS) is investigating reports of an apparent assassination attempt on controversial businessman and political fixer Brown Mogotsi in Vosloorus, east of Johannesburg.

Unconfirmed social media reports allege that Mogotsi’s vehicle was shot at more than eight times in Vosloorus Extension 25, but his and the driver’s conditions remain unknown.

In a brief message to the media on Tuesday morning, SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said she was on her way to the Vosloorus police station to verify the incident.

“I’m heading to Vosloorus SAPS to ascertain reports about Brown Mogotsi.

“Police have not yet confirmed if there was indeed an attempt on Mogotsi’s life, any injuries, fatalities, or arrests linked to the alleged attack,” Mathe said, according to IOL.

Police have launched an attempted murder investigation, with ballistic experts examining the scene.

“Ballistic experts did attend to the scene, and we are investigating a case of attempted murder. So, for now, I’m told by the acting station commander that Mr Brown Mogot promised to avail himself at the police station at around 8 o’clock to open a case so that we can formally take his statement,” The Citizen quoted Mathe as saying. 

The Madlanga Commission, where Mogotsi is set to testify, expressed concern for his safety, saying it is ensuring that all witnesses receive protection.

Madlanga Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels told the media that he has communicated with Mathe.

“I have ascertained from her that, indeed, it is Mr Mogotsi’s vehicle that was shot at. However, he is safe and, of course, the commission is concerned for Mr Mogotsi’s safety as a witness who has to appear before the commission, to attest to the very serious allegations that the commission is charged with inquiring into,” he said.

Michaels added: “We’ve been in touch with Mr Mogotsi regarding his protection as recently as yesterday. It is, of course, up to an individual witness whether he or she accepts the protection that is offered.“But of course, the commission is charged with the responsibility in terms of the safety of witnesses. So from our side, we certainly are doing everything within our power to ensure that all witnesses are safe and, where necessary, protected.”

Mogotsi’s name has surfaced multiple times before the commission and in parliament’s inquiry into alleged political interference and corruption within the criminal justice system.

He has been linked to suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, with witnesses accusing him of having insider knowledge of police operations.

His business premises were raided in October as part of a probe linked to testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where he was accused of facilitating payments to political figures and sharing sensitive police information.

After the raid, Mogotsi claimed he feared for his life, describing the scrutiny as “targeted harassment” by authorities.

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