An alleged attempt on the life of controversial businessman Brown Mogotsi in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni, has raised questions about the safety of witnesses expected to testify before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Police confirmed that a red vehicle linked to Mogotsi was found riddled with bullets on Monday night, just weeks before his scheduled appearance before the commission.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe told African Times News on Tuesday that she was gathering information. “Yes, I am gathering facts. I am heading to Vosloorus SAPS to ascertain reports about Brown Mogotsi,” she said.
Private investigation group Tshenolo PI said the incident happened while Mogotsi was driving with an unknown passenger when gunmen opened fire. “Unconfirmed reports are that Brown Mogotsi was travelling in this vehicle and was attacked by unknown people. The vehicle has over eight bullet holes. At this stage we do not know the status of the driver or Brown, as it is alleged he was the driver,” Tshenolo PI said.
Community safety group Thathazonke Crime Watch also confirmed the shooting. “Our members were alerted to a shooting in Vosloorus. When they arrived, Johannesburg Metro Police officers were already at the scene. The person on the phone confirmed he is Brown Mogotsi and that there was an attempt to kill him,” said a member.
However, not everyone is convinced the attack was genuine. A source at the scene told African Times News that the shooting may have been staged. “If someone really wanted him dead, they would have used a rifle, not a small gun. The bullet patterns show it was not professional. I think he wants to enter witness protection,” the source said.
The incident occurred a few streets away from where Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa was killed in 2014, an area long associated with violent crime.
Mogotsi has in recent months emerged as a central figure in allegations linking senior government officials and business people to corruption. He made headlines after suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu denied knowing him, prompting Mogotsi to appear in several media interviews insisting that he had close ties with the former minister. In those interviews, Mogotsi hinted that he possessed information that could expose deep-rooted corruption networks within government and law enforcement.
In one interview, he claimed to have evidence showing that businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala was involved in more political financing activities than previously disclosed.
“If you thought Cat Matlala only paid for the ANC celebrations, you have seen nothing yet,” Mogotsi said.
Mogotsi is expected to testify before the Madlanga Commission later this month. The commission, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is probing corruption, political interference and alleged improper relationships between state officials and business figures.
The timing of the attack has fuelled speculation that Mogotsi’s forthcoming testimony may expose powerful individuals.
Police have not confirmed whether the incident is linked to his expected appearance.
This is a developing story.
