Top Ballistics Expert Chris Mangena
In a significant development in the investigation into the alleged assassination attempt on North West businessman Oupa “Brown” Mogotsi, South African Police Service (SAPS) has enlisted renowned ballistics expert and crime scene reconstruction specialist Lieutenant Colonel Chris Mangena. Mangena, known for his pivotal role in high-profile cases such as the Oscar Pistorius murder trial, the Babita Deokaran assassination, and the Senzo Meyiwa murder, will examine Mogotsi’s vehicle, which was reportedly riddled with 11 bullets during the incident in Vosloorus on 3 November 2025. This move underscores the authorities’ determination to uncover the truth amid suspicions that the attack may have been staged.
The decision to involve Mangena comes as questions swirl around the lack of blood at the scene despite the barrage of gunfire, raising doubts about the authenticity of the event. With Mogotsi’s ties to ongoing police corruption inquiries adding layers of intrigue, Mangena’s expertise could provide crucial insights into the ballistics evidence, potentially determining if the shooting was genuine or fabricated. As the probe intensifies, South Africans are watching closely, hoping for clarity in a case that has captured national attention.
The Vosloorus Incident: Recap of the Alleged Attack
The drama unfolded on the evening of 3 November 2025, when Mogotsi and a passenger were travelling in a Chevrolet sedan through Vosloorus, east of Johannesburg. Assailants in a white bakkie allegedly opened fire, piercing the vehicle with at least 11 shots. Remarkably, no one was injured, and no blood was found at the scene, prompting immediate skepticism from investigators and the public.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe has urged Mogotsi to file a formal attempted murder case and provide his devices for forensic analysis, but he has yet to comply fully. The vehicle, now under scrutiny, holds key evidence like bullet holes and trajectories that Mangena will analyse. Initial reports suggest the attack might link to Mogotsi’s involvement in high-level corruption probes, where he has been accused of influencing senior police officials.
Eyewitnesses described a targeted ambush, but the absence of casualties has fueled theories of staging to evade testimony or prosecution. The incident has divided opinions, with some viewing it as a real threat and others as a ploy.
Chris Mangena: The Go-To Expert for High-Profile Cases
Lieutenant Colonel Chris Mangena, a seasoned SAPS ballistics specialist, brings decades of experience to the table. Often called upon for complex crime scenes, Mangena’s testimony has been instrumental in securing convictions and clarifying facts in some of South Africa’s most notorious trials.
In the Oscar Pistorius case (2014-2015), Mangena analysed bullet trajectories through the bathroom door where Reeva Steenkamp was killed, providing evidence on the sequence of shots and Pistorius’s position. His detailed reconstruction helped the court understand the events, contributing to Pistorius’s eventual murder conviction.
Mangena also played a key role in the Babita Deokaran assassination probe (2021). As a whistleblower exposing corruption in Gauteng’s health department, Deokaran was gunned down. Mangena’s ballistics work linked weapons to suspects, aiding arrests and highlighting procurement fraud worth millions.
More recently, in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial (ongoing since 2020), Mangena testified in 2024 that a bullet from the crime scene matched a gun found on accused Bongani Ntanzi. Under cross-examination, he stood firm on his findings, clarifying test firings and markings despite defence challenges. His evidence has been crucial in linking suspects to the 2014 killing of the Bafana Bafana captain.
Mangena’s track record extends to other cases, like the 2015 Lindray Khakhu conviction, where his ballistics analysis led to a successful prosecution for murder. He has also appeared at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into police corruption, linking guns to multiple murders and exposing potential cover-ups.
Known for his meticulous approach, Mangena combines forensic science with crime scene reconstruction, often recreating events to test theories. His involvement in the Mogotsi case signals a thorough examination of the vehicle’s damage, bullet paths, and any inconsistencies that could point to staging.
Police Investigation Intensifies: What Mangena’s Role Means
By bringing in Mangena, SAPS aims to dissect the physical evidence from Mogotsi’s car, including entry and exit points of bullets, angles of fire, and residue patterns. This could reveal if shots were fired from a moving vehicle as claimed or in a controlled setup. Given the no-blood anomaly, his reconstruction might simulate the incident to assess survivability.
The probe is part of a broader effort to determine if Mogotsi staged the event, which could lead to charges of defeating the ends of justice. Police have assembled a dedicated team, and Mathe has emphasised the need for Mogotsi’s cooperation, including details on his whereabouts that night.
Mangena’s findings could tie into Mogotsi’s Madlanga Commission testimony, where he is accused of proximity to officials like suspended Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya. Recent raids on Mogotsi’s properties and his expected parliamentary appearance add urgency to the case.
Public and Expert Reactions: Skepticism and Calls for Transparency
The news of Mangena’s involvement has stirred reactions online and in media. Social media users hail him as the “best of the best,” with one post quipping, “Just when #brownmogotsi think he will get away with staging drive by shooting…. SAPS calls in the best of their best ballistics/crime scenes reconstructor EXPECT – COLONEL CHRIS MANGENA…. ziyakhala.” Others express relief, noting his unbiased track record in past cases.
Experts praise the move, saying Mangena’s expertise ensures a scientific approach amid speculation. However, some question if political influences could sway the probe, given Mogotsi’s connections.
Public skepticism persists, with comments like “Riddled with bullets, and he was able to come out alive. Who trusts this guy?” reflecting doubts. Calls for transparency grow, urging swift results to restore faith in the justice system.
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