SAPS
1Min
South Africa
Nov 4, 2025
Police are investigating an alleged attempt on the life of controversial businessman Brown Mogotsi after his bullet-riddled car was found abandoned in Vosloorus. Mogotsi has yet to open a case or cooperate with investigators as he faces separate probes into corruption and fraud.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is waiting for controversial businessman Brown Mogotsi to open a case following his claim that there was an attempt on his life in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni, on Monday night.
Police said they found a red Chevrolet with broken windows and what appeared to be five bullet holes at the scene. However, there were no blood stains inside the vehicle. The car was discovered in Vosloorus Extension 25, not far from the N3 highway. Police cordoned off the scene and recovered several bullet casings and shattered glass near a small wendy house in what is otherwise a quiet residential area.
Several residents in the area refused to speak to the media unless they were paid. However, one man who asked not to be named said he heard about seven gunshots late at night and went to investigate.
“I panicked because my son, who is in Grade 12, was still out studying. I got out of the gate and saw a car with its lights on about 400 metres away. When I got closer, all four doors were open. A few of us from the neighbourhood walked there to see what was happening. There was no one inside, and the keys were still in the ignition,” he said.
He added that while they were standing near the scene, they saw a person walking nearby. “He said he lived around the area. About 20 to 30 minutes later, an old VW Golf 1 dropped off a man who said he was the survivor of the shooting. I asked him who he was, and he said he was Brown Mogotsi. Some people found his wallet, which confirmed it was him. When I realised who he was, I told my neighbours we should leave because it was not safe,” he said.
The man said one of his neighbours called the police and that there was no sign of blood or injuries at the scene.
A female resident told South African Daily that Mogotsi had been with a woman before the alleged shooting. She claimed that the two were sitting in the car near a nearby guesthouse. “The man was with a woman in the car,” she said.
Other residents said the area near the wendy house is known as a hotspot for criminal activities and for couples who visit for privacy (adult gymnastics).
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said on Tuesday that Mogotsi had promised to visit the Vosloorus police station at 8 in the morning to open a case, but his phone has since been switched off.
“According to officers, Mogotsi gave the acting station commander a phone number which he said belonged to his bodyguard. The number rings, but no one answers. He is the victim, so we are waiting for him to open a case. We are continuing with the investigation into attempted murder. When the case is finalised, we will make details public. Mogotsi’s statement is important to help us establish what happened on Monday night,” said Mathe.
Mathe said police have struggled to get cooperation from Mogotsi in another ongoing investigation. On 16 October, police went to his business premises in Mahikeng, North West, to execute a search and seizure warrant as part of a case involving defeating the ends of justice, corruption and fraud. Mogotsi was not present at the time and promised to give a statement with his lawyer, but that has not yet happened.
“You will recall that our investigating team is probing a case of defeating the ends of justice, corruption and fraud that was opened by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The team went to Mahikeng to execute a search and seizure warrant at Mogotsi’s business premises. He said he was not around and promised to cooperate later. Since then, he and his lawyers have failed to meet the investigating team despite making several promises. They said they would meet the team last week but did not show up. They have now promised to meet them on Wednesday, and we hope they will honour that appointment so the investigation can continue,” Mathe said.
Mogotsi has been in the spotlight for his explosive allegations against senior government officials. He gained public attention after accusing several politicians of corruption and money laundering linked to government tenders. His name also surfaced during discussions about the upcoming Madlanga Commission, which is investigating allegations of corruption and political interference in the police service.
Mogotsi is expected to appear before the Madlanga Commission later this month, where he is likely to testify about alleged connections between politicians and criminal syndicates.
Police say they will only proceed with the case once Mogotsi has formally opened it and provided a statement. Investigations are ongoing.
