Attempted murder of Brown Mogotsi happened hours after discussions with Madlanga Commission
The small Chevrolet sedan that businessman Brown Mogotsi was reportedly travelling in when it came under fire in Vosloorus.
Image: Reaper Tactical / Facebook
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has expressed serious concern over the personal safety of political fixer, controversial businessman, and key witness Brown Mogotsi, following the attempted murder incident in Vosloorus, east of Johannesburg.
According to the Commission’s spokesperson, Jeremy Michaels, the inquiry is aware of the attempted murder incident and has already engaged with the South African Police Service (SAPS) over the incident.
“Certainly, the Commission is concerned about these developments. I was in touch with Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the SAPS national spokesperson, a short while ago. Of course the detail is still sketchy at this stage. I hope that we will get a detailed update during the course of this morning once SAPS has been able to ascertain what happened,” Michaels told broadcaster Newzroom Afrika on Tuesday morning.
“For the part of the Commission, we certainly are concerned for the safety of Mr Mogotsi and all other witnesses who are to appear before the Commission, to assist the Commission to get to the bottom of the allegations made by Lieutenant General (Nhlanhla) Mkhwanazi on 6 July.”
Michaels said on Monday, the Commission was in contact with Mogotsi and his legal team, with regards to his scheduled appearance and testimony.
“Again, we are concerned for his safety so there are ongoing discussions in that regard,” said Michaels.
“I think it is no secret that the allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption in our criminal justice system speak to organised crime, drugs cartels and by its nature, there is grave danger involved in the investigation and of course the testimony before the Commission.
Michaels said the Commission has been taking a number of steps around the hearings happening in Pretoria.
In terms of its terms of reference, the Commission is charged with witness protection “notwithstanding the difficulty of that task”, he said.
IOL reported earlier that the shooting took place on Monday night in Vosloorus, when occupants of a white bakkie extensively shot at Mogotsi’s vehicle. The small Chevrolet sedan, which Mogotsi was travelling in, sustained multiple bullet-holes.
Mogotsi has been named in testimony before the Commission for his alleged links to senior policing and political figures. In October, a Rule 3 notice was issued to Mogotsi as the Commission investigated claims of his involvement in facilitating payments, information leaks, and influence-peddling in the justice system.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News