HIT ON WITNESS FAILS

THE Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has expressed serious concern over the personal safety of political fixer, controversial businessman, and key witness Brown Mogotsi, following an attempted hit.

According to the Commission’s spokesperson, Jeremy Michaels, the inquiry is aware of the attempted murder incident in Vosloorus, east of Johannesburg on Monday night and has already engaged with the South African Police Service (SAPS) over the incident.

North-West Province-based businessman Mogotsi has been named in testimony before the Commission for his alleged links to senior policing and political figures and the alleged criminals they are accused of colluding with.

In October, a Rule 3 notice was issued to Mogotsi as the Commission investigated claims of his involvement in facilitating payments, information leaks, and influence-peddling in the justice system.

On Monday night, occupants of a white bakkie targeted the small Chevrolet sedan Mogotsi was travelling in. Mogotsi and another occupant escaped unharmed.

Michaels told broadcaster Newzroom Afrika on Tuesday morning: “Certainly, the Commission is concerned about these developments.

"I was in touch with Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the SAPS national spokesperson, a short while ago.

"I hope that we will get a detailed update during the course of this morning once SAPS has been able to ascertain what happened,”

“For the 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.”

Michaels said on Monday, the Commission was in contact with Mogotsi and his legal team, with regards to his scheduled appearance and testimony.

“Again, we are concerned for his safety so there are ongoing discussions in that regard,” said Michaels.

“I think it is no secret that the allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption in our criminal justice system speak to organised crime...

"And by its nature, there is grave danger involved in the investigation and of course the testimony before the Commission."

Michaels said the Commission has been taking a number of steps around the hearings happening in Pretoria.

In terms of its terms of reference, the Commission is charged with witness protection “notwithstanding the difficulty of that task”, he said.