Shots Fired in Vosloorus: Who’s Behind the Attempt on “Political Fixer” Brown Mogotsi’s Life?

Shots Fired in Vosloorus: The Attempted Hit That’s Stirring Political Tension

Vosloorus residents were left shaken on Monday night after reports surfaced that Oupa “Brown” Mogotsi, a North West businessman and alleged political fixer, narrowly escaped an armed attack. Police have since confirmed that a red Chevrolet riddled with bullets was recovered, the same vehicle Mogotsi had been driving when gunmen opened fire.

According to sources close to the investigation, more than eight bullets tore through the car. It’s a miracle Mogotsi made it out alive.

A Late-Night Ambush

The shooting reportedly unfolded on a quiet stretch of road in Vosloorus, east of Johannesburg. Witnesses told police they heard rapid gunfire before spotting a car speeding away. By the time authorities arrived, the scene was littered with bullet casings, evidence of a deliberate, calculated hit.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the South African Police Service is investigating a case of attempted murder, though she stopped short of calling it an assassination attempt. “Ballistic experts have attended to the scene,” Mathe said. “Mr Mogotsi has promised to avail himself to make a formal statement.”

A Key Witness Under Fire

Mogotsi’s shooting couldn’t come at a more sensitive time. He’s a witness in the ongoing Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is probing political interference, corruption, and collusion within South Africa’s law enforcement system.

Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels told eNCA that he has been in contact with both the police and Mogotsi. “We have confirmed it is indeed Mr Mogotsi’s vehicle that was shot at,” he said. “He is safe, and we are concerned for his safety as a witness who is expected to testify before the commission.”

Michaels added that witness protection discussions with Mogotsi had taken place as recently as the day before the attack, a chilling reminder of the dangers that come with speaking out.

Who Is Brown Mogotsi?

Mogotsi is no stranger to political circles. His name has surfaced repeatedly in parliamentary discussions and investigations involving the Madlanga Commission and the ad hoc committee probing KZN police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s allegations of corruption within the criminal justice system.

Mkhwanazi previously accused Mogotsi of having insider knowledge of police operations, including details about the disbandment of the elite PKTT unit. He also described him as an associate of suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, raising questions about how deep his political ties run and whether they’ve made him a target.

A Growing Culture of Fear

The attack on Mogotsi adds to a disturbing trend of violence and intimidation targeting key witnesses in South Africa’s high-profile corruption inquiries. Social media users have been quick to call out the state’s “weak witness protection” system, questioning whether enough is being done to protect those brave enough to testify against powerful interests.

One X (Twitter) user posted:

“We’ve seen this story before. Every time someone is set to testify about corruption, they ‘get attacked.’ South Africa needs to protect whistleblowers better.”

For many, the attempted hit feels like a warning, not just to Mogotsi, but to anyone willing to challenge entrenched political power.

As the police comb through ballistic evidence and trace the shooters, questions linger about motive and timing. Was this simply a random act of violence, or a calculated move to silence a critical witness?

For now, Mogotsi is said to be cooperating with investigators and remains under informal protection. The Madlanga Commission insists it’s doing everything “within its power” to safeguard him and other witnesses.

But in South Africa’s tense political landscape, where truth and power often collide, surviving a shooting may be the easy part. Staying alive long enough to tell the story might be the real challenge.

{Source: The Citizen}

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