Brown Mogotsi Addresses Alleged Escape Attempt, Says Investigating Officer Has Vendetta Against Him
- Brown Mogotsi took the stand at the Johannesburg Magistrates' Court in Gauteng on 1 September 2026
- The North West businessman addressed the events on 20 August 2026, when he allegedly tried to escape
- South Africans took to social media to weigh in on Mogotsi's statement in court about the alleged escape
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Source: Twitter
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
GAUTENG - Brown Mogotsi took to the witness stand at the Johannesburg Magistrates' Court, testifying about his alleged attempt to escape from custody.
Appearing before the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on 1 September 2026, the North West businessman discusses what happened on 20 August 2026, the day authorities claimed that he attempted to disguise himself as a correctional officer in order to walk out of the court cells undetected.
The allegation prompted heightened security measures ahead of his next appearance, including being placed in leg irons during his transfer to court. Mogotsi faces charges that include defeating the ends of justice, stemming from allegations that he staged his own assassination attempt in November 2025.
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Mogotsi describes being placed in leg irons
Testifying on 1 September 2026, Mogotsi described how, on the morning of 20 August, a police officer he had never encountered before boarded his transport vehicle and cuffed his legs. Mogotsi told the court that the officer claimed it was an instruction, adding that the officer could not tell him where the instruction originated.
He said the restraints were removed once he arrived in court and again upon his return to the vehicle, but that no prison official ever approached him to explain the decision.
"No one from prison ever spoke to me about the incident until it was spoken in court," he said.
Mogotsi also told the court that none of his prison privileges had been affected following allegations that he attempted to escape. He described continuing to receive weekly Friday visits, accessing reading materials, and using the prison's internal shop, including a visit just two days before the bail hearing.
Under prison regulations, he noted, a first response to any transgression would ordinarily be the revoking of such privileges.
While he initially did not address the alleged escape attempt fully, he later denied that he ever tried to escape.
Beyond the leg iron testimony, Mogotsi alleged that the investigating officer in his related perjury case harbours a personal grievance against him. He claimed that after his arrest, the officer received a congratulatory call from colleagues saying, "Well done."
Mogotsi has been accused of attempting to bribe an investigating officer as well.
How did South Africans react?
Social media users reacted swiftly to Mogotsi's claims, with many sharing mixed reactions to them. Some even noted that Mogotsi appeared emotional during his testimony.
Freeze Sphamandla wrote:
"Who is crying now, Mr Brown?"
Itumeleng Tbr commented:
"Mara, at least he tried to be Thabo Bester."
Kholekile Nhlapo said:
"Jail will humble you. Pride is gone. I said gone"
Reloaded Maila added:
"He is crying, shem"
@Genitorio stated:
"Reality has kicked in. My guy is even crying and no longer laughing and doing those funny faces and hand gestures. The Cabal abandoned him."
State witnesses say Mogotsi shot his own car
Briefly News highlighted facts about the ongoing court case involving Mogotsi, who is facing serious charges after allegedly staging his own assassination attempt.
Witnesses allege that Mogotsi fired shots at his own vehicle, raising questions about his motives and the legal implications of his actions.
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Source: Briefly News
