North West businessman and disputed spy, Brown Mogotsi, will spend the weekend behind bars after the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court reserved judgment in his bail application until 4 June 2026.
Mogotsi appeared in court on Thursday, 28 May 2026, facing charges of perjury, defeating the ends of justice, and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The State alleges that Mogotsi faked his own assassination shortly before he was due to appear before the Madlanga Commission in Vosloorus in November 2025.
According to prosecutors, Mogotsi misled investigators and frustrated efforts to trace his whereabouts. The court heard that police officers visited an address in Mmabatho, North West, which had allegedly been provided through Mogotsi’s legal team, only to be informed that he did not reside there.
The State further claimed that investigators struggled to contact Mogotsi before his appearance at the commission and alleged that he had also provided false residential details during a 2007 investigation.
However, Mogotsi’s lawyer, William Sekgatja, dismissed the allegations, insisting that authorities had been supplied with correct information throughout the investigation.
Mogotsi, who maintains his innocence, told the court that he believes the State’s case is based on speculation and weak evidence.
It also emerged during court proceedings that the charge relating to unlawful possession of a firearm was brought against Mogotsi even though the firearm was allegedly not found in his possession. The court further heard that the ammunition linked to the matter was also not discovered on him.
The court is expected to deliver judgment on whether Mogotsi will be granted bail when the matter resumes on 4 June 2026.
