JOHANNESBURG – Controversial businessman Oupa Brown Mogotsi will remain in custody after his third bail bid was dismissed in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of South Africa successfully opposed a further bail application brought by the alleged political fixer.

Mogotsi had two previous bail applications dismissed, one of which was an appeal in the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg in July. The State argued that Mogotsi’s provision of a new address did not constitute new facts in his renewed application.

In a statement, Magaboke Mohlatlole, provincial spokesperson for the NPA’s Gauteng Division, said the court postponed the matter to 1 October for a trial date to be determined. “Senior State Advocate Thami Mpekana opposed the application, arguing that Mogotsi had failed to place any genuine new facts before the court that would justify reconsideration of the previous bail decisions. The State further submitted that Mogotsi’s alleged escape from lawful custody aggravated the circumstances against him and reinforced the State’s contention that he posed a significant flight risk,” he said.

Mohlatlole said that in dismissing the application, the court agreed with the state’s submissions and found that Mogotsi remained a flight risk. He said the court further held that Mogotsi had failed to discharge the onus of satisfying the court that the interests of justice permitted his release on bail.

“The NPA welcomes the court’s decision, which underscores the importance of safeguarding the integrity of the criminal justice process and ensuring that accused persons comply with their legal obligations. The decision further affirms that bail applications based on alleged new facts must meet the legal threshold before a court will reconsider an earlier ruling,” said Mohlatlole.

Mogotsi faces multiple charges arising from an allegedly staged shooting incident in Vosloorus. Charges include unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, discharging a firearm, defeating or obstructing the administration of justice, and perjury.

“The State alleges that he orchestrated the shooting of his own vehicle before making false statements to the police and providing false evidence under oath regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident,” said Mohlatlole.

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