The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that Brown Mogotsi, the North West-based political fixer linked to suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, has met with investigators following an alleged attempt on his life that left his vehicle peppered with bullets.

The alleged hit occurred on Monday night in Vosloorus, where Mogotsi’s Chevrolet sedan was pierced by approximately 11 bullets, according to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.

However, Mogotsi initially told the police on Monday that he was too traumatised to provide a formal statement.

By Wednesday morning, he had still not given his account of the incident, with police confirming his meeting with investigators only after lunchtime.

This initial failure to cooperate led the police to describe him as an “uncollaborative” complainant. This evasion echoes his previous non-cooperation regarding a recent search and seizure operation at his North West home last month.

On Wednesday, Mathe confirmed the engagement, stating: “Yes, we can now confirm that the investigating team is meeting with Mr Mogotsi and his lawyers at his lawyers’ offices.”

The alleged assassination attempt comes as Mogotsi faces serious allegations before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is probing political interference in police work.

Last month, the commission gave Mogotsi five days to respond to these allegations. This followed a raid on October 16 at his business premises in Seweding village, Mahikeng, where police sought devices and equipment that Mogotsi had promised, but allegedly failed to hand over.

Following the Monday night incident, the Madlanga Commission expressed grave concerns over Mogotsi’s personal safety.

On Tuesday, commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels first stated the concern, and on Wednesday, he confirmed discussions were under way with Mogotsi’s legal team for a possible witness protection arrangement ahead of his testimony.

“We are in ongoing discussions with him and his legal representatives to secure his appearance before the commission. As we said yesterday, we have offered him protection. We are concerned about his safety… Let’s see how it unfolds over the coming days and weeks,” Michaels said.

Crime activist Yusuf Abramjee reacted to the situation, stressing the urgent need for a thorough investigation, especially given Mogotsi’s failure to immediately report the hit.

“The seriousness of this matter demands immediate and thorough investigation to ensure the safety and security of all involved and to uphold the principles of justice,” Abramjee stated.

He also highlighted the need to promptly and transparently address numerous questions raised by eyewitness accounts, which he believed were crucial to understanding the full scope of the alleged attempt.

Mogotsi is scheduled to appear before the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations of political interference on November 18, 19, and 20.

His appearance was previously alluded to by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. He is expected to provide his version of events at the hearing.

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za

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