In a chilling incident that strikes at the heart of a national inquiry, Brown Mogotsia businessman whose testimony is central to the high-stakes Madlanga Commissionhas survived an apparent attempt on his life. The shooting has sent shockwaves through the investigation, which is probing the dangerous nexus between politicians and organized crime.
The incident occurred on Monday night in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni. Mogotsi was travelling in his vehicle when unknown gunmen opened fire. In a statement that underscores the gravity of the situation, commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels confirmed on Tuesday that Mogotsi is physically unhurt, but the event has raised immediate and severe concerns about witness safety.
A Commission on Edge
“The commission is concerned about his safety and this incident,” Michaels stated, adding that they would be gathering more details throughout the morning. His words carried the weight of an inquiry whose work depends on the willingness of individuals to speak dangerous truths.
The commission finds itself in a precarious position. While it can offer support, the ultimate decision to enter witness protection rests with the individual. “The commission has been in touch with Mogotsi about his safety and emphasised it is up to an individual to accept witness protection,” Michaels explained. He stressed a broader unease, noting, “We are concerned for the safety of all witnesses.”
This sentiment highlights the immense pressure and intimidation faced by those who agree to testify in cases that threaten powerful, shadowy interests.
A Race to Verify the Facts
As news of the shooting broke, the official response swung into action. National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed she was en route to the Vosloorus police station on Tuesday morning to personally verify the facts of the incident. The direct involvement of a senior national spokesperson indicates the sensitivity and high priority assigned to this case.
The collaboration between the commission and the police was also evident, with Michaels noting he was in consultation with Brigadier Mathe. This coordination is crucial, as the attempted shooting is not just a criminal act but a direct challenge to the integrity of a state-sanctioned inquiry.
A Target on His Back
Brown Mogotsi is no ordinary witness. His alleged involvement in the “complicity between politicians and organised crime” places him at the centre of one of the most perilous investigations in the country. Surviving an attempted hit only amplifies the sinister themes the commission is tasked with uncovering.
The message of the gunfire in Vosloorus is unmistakable: speaking truth to power carries a lethal cost. As the commission continues its work, the safety of its witnesses has now become an urgent, front-page concern. The attempt on Mogotsi’s life is a stark reminder that the battle against organized crime is not fought only in courtrooms, but on the streets, where silence is enforced with bullets.
{Source: Timeslive}
