Mogotsi bail bid delayed as court prepares to hear fresh application
The Johannesburg Magistrate's Court has postponed the bail proceedings of alleged political fixer Brown Oupa Mogotsi, as his legal team prepares to bring a fresh application based on what they describe as 'new facts'.
Mogotsi, who returned to court on Friday after being denied bail earlier this month, appeared briefly in the dock as proceedings got underway.
He was to appear in court for the disclosure of the docket and the setting of a trial date.
Next court date set
However, his lawyers indicated their intention to have the matter transferred to Court 13, the designated bail court, where they plan to argue for his release under new circumstances.
The case was subsequently postponed to 22 June 2026, when the court is expected to hear the revised bail bid.
Mogotsi was previously denied bail by the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court, which found that he had failed to provide a verifiable fixed address. The court ruled that inconsistencies in the residential information he supplied raised concerns about whether he would stand trial if released.
READ MORE: Msunduzi refuse strike sparks outrage among ratepayers
Delivering the earlier ruling, Magistrate Annalise Tlhapi said: "All three addresses don't correspond. The applicant failed to prove he has a proper address."
The court further held that the discrepancies increased the risk of absconding, concluding that 'the interests of justice do not permit his release on bail'.
Serious charges remain
The State has opposed bail, linking Mogotsi to allegations that include perjury, defeating the ends of justice, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and discharging a firearm in a built-up area.
Prosecutors allege the charges stem from an incident in Vosloorus in November last year, in which he is accused of staging an assassination attempt on his own life.
According to the State, Mogotsi allegedly fired 11 rounds at his own vehicle using an illegal firearm believed to be linked to other crimes. Eyewitness accounts reportedly suggest the incident may have been staged.
Mogotsi remains in custody and is expected back in court on 22 June, when his legal team will formally present the new bail application.
Find us on social media
Follow the ECR Newswatch WhatsApp channel here
We are also on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter)
MORE ON ECR:
