A bullet-riddled car used by Mogotsi has been recovered by the Vosloorus police.
North West businessman and alleged political fixer Oupa “Brown” Mogotsi has survived a shooting.
Mogotsi was attacked while driving a red Chevrolet in Vosloosrus at about 10pm on Monday night.
Shooting
It is understood that unknown gunmen opened fire on his car. A bullet-riddled car used by Mogotsi has been recovered by the Vosloorus police and is under protection.
Mogotsi’s car was reportedly struck by more than eight bullets.
Attempted murder
South African Police Services (Saps) spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said they are investigating whether Mogotsi was alone during the attack or travelling with a passenger.
“Ballistic experts did attend to the scene, and we are investigating a case of attempted murder. So, for now, I’m told by the acting station commander that Mr Brown Mogotsi promised to avail himself at the police station at around 8 o’clock to open a case so that we can formally take his statement.”
Mathe did not want to be drawn to whether the attack was an attempted assassination on Mogotsi.
She added that police know who the car belongs to and that it will form part of their investigations into the incident, including why Mogotsi was in the area and where he was travelling to.
The car was reportedly in bad condition with worn tyres. Among the shards of glass on the passenger seat was a white box, the contents of which are unknown.
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Mogotsi ‘safe’
Madlanga Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels told eNCA he has been in touch with Mathe.
“I have ascertained from her that, indeed, it is Mr Mogotsi’s vehicle that was shot at. However, he is safe and, of course, the commission is concerned for Mr Mogotsi’s safety as a witness who has to appear before the commission, to attest to the very serious allegations that the commission is charged with inquiring into.
Witness protection
Michaels said they have been in touch with Mogotsi.
“We’ve been in touch with Mr Mogotsi regarding his protection as recently as yesterday. It is, of course, up to an individual witness whether he or she accepts the protection that is offered.
“But of course, the commission is charged with the responsibility in terms of the safety of witnesses. So from our side, we certainly are doing everything within our power to ensure that all witnesses are safe and, where necessary, protected.”
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Political fixer
The alleged political fixer’s name has repeatedly come up in the Madlanga commission of inquiry. It has also featured in parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s claims about political interference, corruption and collusion in the criminal justice system.
Mkhwanazi alleged that Mogotsi had insider knowledge of police operations, including the Political Killings Task Team’s (PKTT) disbandment. He also referred to him as suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s associate.
Mogotsi has been named in testimony before the Madlanga commission, which is probing alleged political interference in the criminal justice system.
Witnesses have linked him to controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
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