A hail of gunfire, a vehicle riddled with bullets, and a miraculous escape. It sounds like a scene from an action film, but it’s the real-life story of North West businessman Oupa “Brown” Mogotsi, who survived an alleged assassination attempt in Vosloorus on Monday night. Yet, instead of an outpouring of public sympathy, the incident has been met with a wave of intense skepticism and probing questions online.
While police have confirmed an attempted murder case and the Madlanga Commission has expressed concern for his safety as a witness, the count of public opinion is leaning toward a different verdict: that the entire event was a carefully orchestrated performance.
A Miraculous Escape or a Suspicious Narrative?
According to reports, unidentified assailants opened fire on Mogotsi’s red Chevrolet, striking it more than eight times before fleeing. The vehicle was later recovered by police, its body punctured by bullet holes and its interior littered with shattered glass.
However, the fact that Mogotsi emerged completely unscathed from such a close-range, multi-shot attack is the primary source of public doubt. On social media platform X, users have dissected the incident with forensic precision.
One user, @Dhokodho, pointedly asked, “Poor stage work – no way anyone can escape without a scratch with all those bullets. Still, not even a single bullet found, let alone casings around the scene why??” This sentiment was echoed by others who found it implausible that a shooter “moving around the car” could have missed the occupant entirely.
A Witness Under the Microscope
The context surrounding Mogotsi is crucial to understanding the public’s cynicism. His name has been repeatedly mentioned at the high-stakes Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is investigating allegations of serious political interference within the country’s criminal justice system. He is a key witness entangled in a web of claims that also touch on parliament’s inquiry into top police officials.
This backdrop has led many to view the shooting through a political lens. Some comments, like one from @Mzi_kaMashobane, questioned the businessman’s finances, suggesting his alleged driving of an older vehicle didn’t align with his purported income, adding to the aura of suspicion.
Official Confirmation and Cautious Responses
Officially, the authorities are treating the incident as a serious crime. SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that ballistic experts have combed the scene and that an attempted murder docket is open. She noted that Mogotsi has agreed to provide a formal statement.
Simultaneously, the Madlanga Commission has acknowledged the incident, with spokesperson Jeremy Michaels confirming the car belonged to Mogotsi and that the commission is “concerned for his safety.” Michaels revealed that the commission has offered him security arrangements, a standard practice for witnesses involved in sensitive inquiries.
For now, the truth lies shrouded between the official investigation and the court of public opinion. The police have a crime scene to decipher, while the public has a narrative to deconstruct. One thing is clear: in a case already thick with allegation and intrigue, this violent event has only deepened the mystery surrounding Oupa “Brown” Mogotsi.
{Source: TheSouthAfrican}
