Mogotsi appeared at the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on Friday (11/9), seeking his release after spending months in custody. He was arrested in May in connection with allegations surrounding an incident in which he is accused of staging an attempted assassination against himself.

The state is opposing his release and has raised concerns about an alleged plan to escape from custody. Mogotsi has denied the allegations and challenged the state’s version of events during earlier proceedings. He has disputed claims he planned to escape from custody.

The state has also presented video footage which it says shows Mogotsi shooting at his own vehicle. However, Mogotsi has rejected the state’s interpretation of the footage. He told the court he does not appear in the video and disputed the allegation he was responsible for shooting at his own vehicle.

His latest bail application follows previous unsuccessful attempts to secure his release. In July, the Johannesburg High Court upheld the magistrate’s decision to refuse him bail, finding the information presented did not amount to genuine new facts that justified his release. The state has now concluded its cross-examination in Mogotsi’s second bail application.

Mogotsi faces charges arising from an alleged shooting incident in Vosloorus. The charges include 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.

“The NPA will await the court’s decision on the bail application and remains committed to ensuring the matter is prosecuted fairly, diligently, and in accordance with the law,” said Gauteng spokesperson, Magaboke Mohlatlole.

The matter is postponed to 22 September for judgment on the bail application.

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