Mogotsi denies escape plan as defence disputes CCTV in fourth bail bid

Brown Mogotsi returned to the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on Friday as his fourth bid for bail on new facts continued. His defence challenged the state’s claims that he staged his own shooting and planned to escape from custody.

Defence disputes CCTV and escape allegations

Mogotsi told the court he had watched the footage handed to his legal team and that “Brown Mogotsi does not appear in the footage. Not even my shadow,” after the defence played three clips. He denied allegations that a correctional services uniform had been prepared to facilitate an escape.

In an affidavit submitted through his lawyer, Advocate Nthabiseng Mahomane, Mogotsi said he had never planned an escape, never arranged to disguise himself as a correctional official and had come forward with new bail facts.

State says alleged escape was thwarted

The prosecutor read an affidavit from the investigating officer into the court record in which the officer said he had been alerted by a Correctional Services official that Mogotsi was allegedly planning to escape. The state said correctional authorities subsequently made arrangements to prevent the alleged escape.

Searches and custody conditions

Mogotsi said searches were conducted on August 18 and August 23 and that nothing relating to an alleged escape plan was found. He told the court he was never found in possession of a uniform in court or in the cells.

He said his legs were chained on August 20 but that he was not given a reason for the additional restraint, and that he did not recall being subjected to additional surveillance beyond usual security measures.

Addresses verified, defence says allegations unsubstantiated

In his affidavit, Mogotsi said the investigating officer had verified his Johannesburg address on August 17, 2026, and his North West address two days later, with confirmation from the leasing agent. He argued that, apart from the investigating officer’s report, there was no evidence supporting the escape allegations.

Charges and origin of alleged staged shooting

The charges against Mogotsi stem from an incident reported to police on November 3, 2025. According to the state, Mogotsi told police he had been driving alone in Vosloorus when occupants of a bakkie allegedly chased him and fired shots at his vehicle. The state alleges Mogotsi then fired 11 rounds at his own vehicle; investigators recovered 11 spent cartridges at the scene.

Mogotsi, who is 45, faces charges including 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.

Court process

Investigators had opposed his latest bail application, saying he was allegedly planning to escape from custody. Mogotsi has filed an affidavit addressing why his first three bail applications were dismissed.

The bail hearing was postponed for continuation on September 11.