Brown Mogotsi Loses Bid to Learn Names of Witnesses in Firearm Case

A Johannesburg magistrate’s court has refused Brown Mogotsi’s request to learn the identities of two State witnesses in the criminal case against him, citing concerns for their safety, according to the report. Mogotsi appeared in court on Friday, November 13, as his lawyers argued that keeping the names confidential would make it harder for him to prepare a fair defence. The defence had asked the court to order prosecutors to disclose the witnesses’ names and addresses, along with further details about the evidence. Mogotsi’s team said it needed the information to investigate the witnesses’ credibility, consider possible motives and prepare for cross-examination. It also sought cellphone records to check whether witnesses were near the alleged shooting scene, as well as employment information concerning one witness. Prosecutors opposed the request, arguing that disclosure could expose the witnesses to intimidation or interference. The State reportedly pointed to an incident during Mogotsi’s bail proceedings in which his wife allegedly visited a witness who had disputed an address given as Mogotsi’s residence. The defence, meanwhile, challenged the justification for withholding the identities and questioned how it could investigate the testimony without knowing who the witnesses were. The charges relate to an alleged shooting in Vosloorus on November 3, 2025. Prosecutors allege Mogotsi fired shots at his own vehicle and then reported that he had survived an assassination attempt. He faces charges including perjury, defeating the ends of justice, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and discharging a firearm in a public place. The case had previously been postponed on October 23 to give the State more time to respond to the defence application for further particulars. The latest ruling leaves the witnesses’ identities protected, while the criminal proceedings against Mogotsi continue.