Mogotsi returns to magistrates court as correctional services report on alleged escape looms

Brown Mogotsi is expected to appear at the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court for the continuation of his fourth bail application as the Department of Correctional Services prepares a detailed report on an alleged escape plot, court papers show.

Hearing postponed after alleged escape attempt surfaced

Proceedings were postponed at a hearing last week after the court was told correctional authorities had allegedly thwarted an attempt to help Mogotsi escape while he was in custody. Gauteng National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said the matter was postponed to allow Correctional Services to prepare and submit a detailed report on the alleged plot.

Affidavit and Correctional Services’ role

During the previous proceedings the State told the court that Correctional Services officials had intercepted information suggesting Mogotsi was planning to escape from custody and had acted to prevent it. The prosecutor placed on record an affidavit from the investigating officer, who said he had been alerted by a Correctional Services official about the alleged plan.

According to the affidavit, Correctional Services authorities subsequently made arrangements to prevent the alleged escape. The department’s report is expected to form part of the evidence when Mogotsi’s application for bail based on new facts resumes.

Charges related to November incident in Vosloorus

Mogotsi, 45, faces several criminal charges stemming from an incident reported to police on 3 November 2025. The State says Mogotsi told police he was driving alone in Vosloorus when occupants of a bakkie chased him and fired several shots at his vehicle. He said he was forced to stop and that the occupants fled on foot.

The State alleges Mogotsi then fired 11 rounds at his own vehicle. Investigators recovered 11 spent cartridges at the scene. He faces charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, discharging a firearm in a built-up area, defeating or obstructing the administration of justice, and perjury.

Case status

The National Prosecuting Authority said it would continue placing all relevant information before the court. Mogotsi remains in custody pending the continuation of his bail application.