Brown Mogotsi denied bail again as court finds no new grounds for release

The Johannesburg Magistrate's Court has once again denied bail to alleged political fixer Brown Mogotsi, who has been in custody since his arrest on 15 May, after finding that his latest application failed to introduce any new evidence warranting his release.

Magistrate Annelise Thlapi ruled that the defence had merely "reshuffled" evidence already before the court, concluding that there were no new facts to justify granting bail.

Despite the setback, Mogotsi intends to challenge the ruling in the High Court. His legal representative, Makau William Sekgatja, confirmed that the defence would appeal the decision, describing the outcome as disappointing.

Sekgatja argued that the defence had presented all relevant evidence and maintained that Mogotsi's continued detention hampers consultations with his legal team and the preparation of his defence.

He also expressed concern that Mogotsi could face further implications during proceedings at the Madlanga Commission and rejected allegations that his client had intimidated state witnesses.

Mogotsi faces multiple Schedule 5 charges linked to an alleged staged assassination attempt in Vosloorus in November 2025. The charges include perjury, defeating the ends of justice, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a public place, and attempting to bribe an investigating officer.

The State alleges that ballistic evidence connects the firearm used in the incident to other serious crimes, including murder. Prosecutors further claim that the firearm has not yet been recovered, arguing that this remains a significant concern in opposing bail.

Mogotsi will remain in custody while his legal team prepares to take the matter before the High Court.