News Desk Reporter
Oupa Brown Mogotsi will remain in custody after the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court rejected his fourth application for bail today.
His latest attempt to secure his release comes after three earlier court setbacks, including an unsuccessful appeal in the Gauteng High Court.
Mogotsi was arrested on 15 May 2026. His first bail application was dismissed on 4 June, while a second application based on new facts was rejected on 29 June.
He then challenged the bail decisions in the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg, but his appeal was dismissed on 29 July.
The latest application again focused on where Mogotsi would live if released, with his defence putting forward residential addresses in Johannesburg and Mmabatho. His lawyers argued that the addresses could be verified and that he could comply with any bail conditions imposed by the court.
The State challenged the information about the addresses, arguing that the Johannesburg address was already known and therefore could not be considered a new fact. Questions were also raised about the Mmabatho property, which is a rental home occupied by Mogotsi’s wife.
The court also considered allegations about a possible plan to escape from custody, which Mogotsi denied.
The case against him stems from a shooting in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni, on 3 November 2025.
Mogotsi had reported to police that he was driving alone when occupants of a bakkie allegedly followed him and opened fire on his vehicle. He said he was forced to stop and flee on foot.
The State disputes this version and alleges that Mogotsi staged the shooting by firing at his own vehicle and creating the impression that he had been the target of an attempted assassination.
Mogotsi has denied the allegations.
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.
CCTV footage forms part of the evidence relied on by the State, but Mogotsi has disputed its interpretation and denied claims that it shows him firing at his own vehicle.
He has also denied allegations concerning a possible escape from custody.
Mogotsi will remain behind bars while the criminal case proceeds, with the matter postponed to 1 October for arrangements around a trial date.