By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider 

Controversial businessman, political fixer and key witness in Madlanga Commission, Brown Mogotsi, survived an assasination attempt in Vosloorus, East Johannesburg and has sparked major concern for the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry over the security of Mogotsi. 

“Certainly, the commission is concerned about these developments. I was in touch with Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the SAPS national spokesperson, a short while ago. Of course the details are still sketchy at this stage. I hope that we will get a detailed update during the course of this morning once SAPS has been able to ascertain what happened,” said Jeremy Michaels, spokesperson of the commission, in an interview with Newzroom Afrika.

“For part of the commission, we certainly are concerned for the safety of Mr Mogotsi and all other witnesses who are to appear before the commission, to assist the commission to get to the bottom of the allegations made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on 6 July,” said Michaels.

Michaels had mentioned that the commission are holding discussions with Mogotsi regarding his scheduled appearance as well his testimony as there are major concerns over his safety if he is to testify at the commission.

“I think that it is no secret that the allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption in our criminal justice system speak to organized crime, drug cartels and by its nature, there is grave danger involved in the investigation and of course the testimony before the commission,” said Michaels.

Michaels has also affirmed that the commission are creating measures to ensure the safety of Mogotsi when it’s time for him to appear before the commission.

The assassination attempt in question, occurred on Monday night in Vosloorus, as the perpetrators in a white van, had fired excessive rounds of shots at Mogotsi’s car, his vehicle had sustained bullet holes. 

Mogotsi is one of the people named in the commission for allegedly having links to police and political interference. Mogotsi is being accused of facilitating and information leaks within the justice system.