Self proclaimed North West businessman and alleged political fixer Brown Mogotsi has reportedly struggled to cope in police custody since his arrest on Friday, with his legal representative claiming he has barely eaten while being detained.
Mogotsi was arrested shortly after concluding testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria, where he faced questions relating to alleged corruption within the justice system and repeatedly invoked his right against self incrimination.
Speaking about his condition behind bars, Mogotsi’s legal representative said the businessman has been emotionally distressed since being placed in custody.
“He has hardly eaten since Friday,” the lawyer said while describing the conditions Mogotsi has allegedly faced in detention.
According to his legal team, Mogotsi has struggled to adapt to life inside the holding cells, with concerns also raised about the cold weather conditions and his emotional wellbeing.
A multidisciplinary SAPS team executed a J50 warrant of arrest against Mogotsi on charges linked to an alleged staged assassination attempt in Vosloorus, east of Johannesburg, in November 2025.
Police confirmed that Mogotsi is facing charges including perjury, defeating the ends of justice, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, as well as discharging a firearm in a municipal area.
National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe also accused Mogotsi of allegedly providing misleading addresses to investigators, which she said complicated efforts to trace him in Mahikeng and resulted in wasted police resources.
Mogotsi’s legal team, however, criticised the manner of his arrest, describing it as an “ambush”. His lawyer argued that authorities could have issued a subpoena instead of arresting him immediately after his appearance before the commission.
The defence has also indicated plans to pursue possible legal action against the state, claiming the arrest amounted to malicious prosecution and unlawful detention.
Mogotsi appeared briefly before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court, where the matter was postponed to 25 May 2026 for further address verification and legal proceedings.
His arrest has attracted significant public attention due to his testimony before the Madlanga Commission and allegations linking him to politically connected corruption networks.
Police investigations into the matter remain ongoing as prosecutors prepare for the next court appearance.