JOHANNESBURG - The lawyer for alleged political fixer Brown Mogotsi has dismissed the State’s claim that his client was planning to escape from court, saying there is no evidence to support the allegation.
“Our client is denying the allegations,” Makau Sekgatja said.
“At this stage, we have not been provided with any evidence which supports the allegations. There is no substance to the allegations.”
The State revealed on Tuesday that Mogotsi allegedly planned to escape during his last court appearance on 20 August.
According to the State, a DCS colonel contacted prosecutors and alerted them to the alleged plot. Mogotsi was reportedly planning to disguise himself as a Correctional Services official.
“Legally, it remains hearsay which is not substantiated by any form of evidence. There are no allegations that Mogotsi was found with the uniform he intended to use as a disguise,” Sekgatja said.
He said Mogotsi was “gravely concerned” about the allegations.
“His concern is that there might be a situation wherein, to substantiate the allegations, something will be planted to ensure that the allegations appear to be realistic.”
The Department of Correctional Services is expected to provide a report on the allegations.
“At this stage, we just want to see the report and what is contained in it. Once it is received, our client will then respond to the allegations,” Sekgatja said.
Mogotsi’s bail application has been postponed to 1 September, when the DCS report is expected to have been finalised.
Read more: State says Brown Mogotsi planned to escape