The Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court has once again denied bail to alleged political fixer Brown Mogotsi, who remains in custody as he continues to challenge the decision in the High Court.
Magistrate Annalise Tlhapi ruled that Mogotsi failed to present any new facts in his latest bail application. The court also found that the residential addresses submitted by the accused did not constitute new evidence.
Mogotsi, a North West businessman, has been in detention since his arrest on 15 May.
Following the ruling, his legal representative, Advocate Makau William Sekgatja, confirmed that the defence will appeal the decision.
“We are definitely going to be appealing this decision,” Sekgatja said. “We are very disappointed with the outcome. We believe we placed all the necessary evidence before the magistrate to make an informed decision. Our client wants to be free so he can properly prepare for this case.”
Sekgatja also raised concerns that Mogotsi’s continued detention could affect his involvement in the ongoing Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, arguing that custody makes legal consultations more difficult and could hinder his ability to appear before the commission.
The defence has also denied allegations that Mogotsi intimidated state witnesses.
Mogotsi faces multiple Schedule 5 charges linked to an alleged incident in November 2025 in which he is accused of staging an assassination attempt on his own life in Vosloorus.
His charges include perjury, defeating the ends of justice, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in public, and attempting to bribe an investigating officer.
Prosecutors have also indicated that ballistic evidence allegedly links the firearm used in the staged shooting to other serious crimes, including murder, although the weapon has not yet been recovered.