‘There was no uniform ready’ - Mogotsi denies escape plot as fourth bail bid continues

North West businessman Brown Mogotsi has vehemently denied allegations of a plan to escape from custody, during a hearing on Tuesday before Johannesburg Magistrate's Court for his fourth bid for bail. Exposing the claims as unfounded, Mogotsi's lawyer, Advocate Nthabiseng Mahomane, contended that there was no evidence to support the unfounded accusations.

Mogotsi, 45, faces several criminal charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and perjury, stemming from an incident reported to police on November 3, 2025. He claimed to have been chased and fired at by occupants of a bakkie while driving alone in Vosloorus, and he was responsible for discharging 11 shots at his own vehicle.

The state alleges that Mogotsi fired these shots with the intent to escape. He faced the court to explain his treatment in prison since his accusation of attempting to escape. Mahomane denied any plans for escape, asserting that she had not arranged to disguise herself as a correctional official or to leave the court cells disguised. She mentioned two searches conducted two days before his court dates, adding that no evidence linked the alleged escape plan to these searches.

However, defense claims were challenged when it emerged that correctional authorities had thwarted an escape attempt. A spokesperson from the Gauteng National Prosecuting Authority stated that the matter was postponed to allow the Department of Correctional Services to prepare and submit a detailed report on the alleged escape plot.