By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Judgement on political fixer Oupa Brown Mogotsi’s bail application on new facts has been set for the 29th of June at the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court.
Mogotsi was denied bail after the court found that he had misled investigating officers about his residential address.
He is facing charges including perjury, defeating the ends of justice, and the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
During the proceedings, the court heard Mogotsi’s wife, Dorothy Ledwaba pressured a state witness to corroborate disputed address and handing her a phone to speak to the accused.
In an affidavit by investigating officer Lieutenant-Colonel Alfred Odendaal, the neighbour, Thandiwe Senokwane, alleged that Ledwaba, had instructed her to provide another statement claiming that her house number was the same as hers.
She told investigators that she felt intimidated, alleging that this was the third occasion on which Ledwaba had visited her and pressured her to make a false statement. A case of intimidation has since been opened.
Mogotsi maintained that 4544 Mohatlha Street is his correct address, where he has lived with his wife.
He claimed that investigating officer did not fully present accurate details during the initial bail hearing.
“The initial impression created by the investigating officer was that my address did not exist or positive which is not correct.”
The investigators rejected claims made by Mogotsi that police ignored information that confirmed his residential address during the investigation.
Mogotsi further argued that his continued detention limits his ability to consult with his legal representative, particularly given the volume of the case docket.
“It contains complex expert evidence which will require thorough consultation and preparation for my defence.”
Mogotsi stated that he needs to raise funds to appoint an expert to challenge the state’s case, which he claimed would not be possible while behind bars.
The State prosecutor Thami Mpekana argued that the defence had not presented any genuinely new information.
Instead, the state had introduced new facts of its own.
Mpekana argued that if released, Mogotsi may interfere with the state witnesses.
The case has since been postponed for judgment on his bail application.
Mogotsi was arrested on Friday, 15 May, shortly after appearing before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, investigating the corruption and malfeasance in South Africa’s criminal justice.