5 hours ago
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Alleged Political Fixer Oupa "Brown" Mogotsi Survives Shooting in Vosloorus
Johannesburg – North West businessman Oupa "Brown" Mogotsi, an alleged political fixer whose name has repeatedly surfaced in high-profile investigations, has reportedly survived a shooting incident in Vosloorus on Monday night.
According to reports, Mogotsi was driving a red Chevrolet when unknown gunmen opened fire on his vehicle. The incident occurred in Vosloorus, where police have since recovered Mogotsi's bullet-riddled car. It is estimated that the vehicle was struck by more than eight bullets.
South African Police Services (Saps) spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that police are investigating the incident as a case of attempted murder. "Ballistic experts did attend to the scene, and we are investigating a case of attempted murder," Mathe stated. She added that police are currently investigating whether Mogotsi was alone during the attack.
Mathe also revealed that police know who the car belongs to and that it would form part of their investigations. She refrained from speculating on whether the attack was an attempted assassination, emphasising that the investigation is still in its early stages.
"So, for now, I’m told by the acting station commander that Mr Brown Mogot promised to avail himself at the police station at around 8 o’clock to open a case so that we can formally take his statement," Mathe explained.
News of the shooting has prompted concern for Mogotsi's safety, particularly given his involvement as a witness before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Jeremy Michaels, spokesperson for the Madlanga Commission, confirmed that he has been in contact with Brigadier Mathe regarding the incident.
"I have ascertained from her that, indeed, it is Mr Mogotsi’s vehicle that was shot at. However, he is safe and, of course, the commission is concerned for Mr Mogotsi’s safety as a witness who has to appear before the commission, to attest to the very serious allegations that the commission is charged with inquiring into," Michaels said.
The Madlanga Commission is currently probing alleged political interference in the criminal justice system, and Mogotsi's name has featured prominently in the testimony presented before the commission.
Michaels further stated that the commission has been in contact with Mogotsi regarding his protection. "We’ve been in touch with Mr Mogotsi regarding his protection as recently as yesterday. It is, of course, up to an individual witness whether he or she accepts the protection that is offered."
He emphasised that the commission takes the safety of its witnesses seriously and is committed to providing protection where necessary. "But of course, the commission is charged with the responsibility in terms of the safety of witnesses. So from our side, we certainly are doing everything within our power to ensure that all witnesses are safe and, where necessary, protected."
Mogotsi's name has also surfaced in parliament's ad hoc committee investigating KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s claims about political interference, corruption, and collusion in the criminal justice system.
Mkhwanazi has alleged that Mogotsi possessed insider knowledge of police operations, including the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). He also identified Mogotsi as an associate of suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
In addition to his alleged ties to Mchunu, witnesses before the Madlanga Commission have linked Mogotsi to controversial businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala.
The attempted murder investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The incident raises serious questions about the safety of witnesses involved in sensitive investigations and the potential for political interference in the criminal justice system.
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