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Brown Mogotsi expected in court on firearm, perjury charges

Self-proclaimed political fixer Brown Mogotsi is expected back in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 23 October, as his legal battle over charges linked to an alleged staged assassination attempt continues.

Also see: Brown Mogotsi remains behind bars after 4th bail bid fails

Brown faces charges including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a built-up area, perjury and defeating or obstructing the administration of justice. The charges stem from a November 2025 shooting in Vosloorus, east of Johannesburg, which police allege was staged. Brown has disputed the State’s version of events, according to Daily Maverick.

Arrest and first court appearance

Brown was arrested on 15 May 2026, shortly after appearing before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. He had returned to the commission to give evidence and had initially invoked his right not to answer questions on the grounds that he might incriminate himself. He was arrested after the proceedings.

He made his first court appearance on 18 May, when the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court postponed the matter to 25 May to allow the State to verify his residential address and prepare for a formal bail application. He remained in custody, reported eNCA.

The State has alleged that Brown told police he had been pursued by gunmen in Vosloorus and that shots were fired at his vehicle. Police later alleged that the evidence pointed to the shooting having been staged, with investigators saying Brown had allegedly fired shots at his own vehicle.

Also see: Brown Mogotsi to appear in court as State alleges escape plan

Bail applications

Brown’s first bail bid was dismissed on 4 June, with the court finding concerns over the residential addresses he had provided and the possibility that he could evade trial. He indicated that he intended to challenge the decision in the High Court.

He subsequently made further attempts to secure his release. By September, he was before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court for another bail application based on what his lawyers described as new facts. The State opposed his release and raised concerns including an alleged escape plan.

His fourth bail application was dismissed on 22 September, leaving him in custody. The State had argued that he remained a flight risk, while Mogotsi’s defence challenged the allegations and evidence against him.

Latest court proceedings

Brown was back in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on 1 October, before appearing again on 7 October. His legal team is seeking further information from the State before the matter proceeds, including cellphone and employment records relating to a state witness, proof of residence for other witnesses, unredacted witness statements and images extracted from video footage of the alleged shooting.

The matter was postponed to 23 October for the defence to argue an application compelling the State to provide the outstanding particulars and information.

Brown remains in custody following the repeated refusal of bail. Public reporting does not clearly identify the specific correctional facility where he is currently being held, so it would be safer not to name one without confirmation.

The Madlanga Commission’s public record confirms that he has remained in custody since his May arrest.

Featured image: Gallo Images/Sharon Seretlo

Also see: Brown Mogotsi to bring 4th bail application before Johannesburg court

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