06 Apr 2014

At least 12 students of Limkokwing University of Creative Technology who are facing a single count of rioting are scheduled to appear for Case Management Conference (CMC) before Village Magistrate Court on April 17, 2014.

The accused’s lawyers and the prosecution reached the agreement before magistrate Mr Goodwill Makofi during their first appearance after the case was moved from magistrate Ms Priscilla Ditlhong.

The transfer of the case from Ms Ditlhong to Mr Makofi came as a result of the intervention of Gaborone Regional Magistrate, Mr Christopher Gabanagae, in order to make sure that there is no delay and that none of the parties is prejudiced.

The 12 students, who are still in their early 20’s, are held in contravention of Section 74 (3) as read with Section 76 of the Penal Code (Cap 08:01) of the Laws of Botswana.

Particulars of the offence indicate that the accused and many others not before the court on May 24, 2013 at Limkokwing University unlawfully assembled at the university and with a common purpose riotously threw stones to the police who were dispersing them, broke some windows of the university’s building and thereby causing breach of peace.

The students have since been granted bail on their own recognisance.

They are also to attend all court sessions and should not get involved in criminal activities while on bail.

On a similar matter, a suspended Limkokwing University Student Representative Council president Poloko Pitwane who is facing a single count of criminal trespass contrary to Section 305 (1) (a) of the Penal Code (Cap 08:01) of the Laws of Botswana also appeared.

Particulars of the offense are that Pitwane on May 24, 2013 while under suspension from the university entered into the university without its authority with intent to commit an offense and annoy the said management and addressed the student community. He is represented by attorney Reuben Lekorwe.

Pitwane’s bail conditions are that he should not enter Limkokwing University until given permission, should not hold student meetings within a radius of 100m from the university and will be free to express himself in both radio and television because that was his constitutional rights and that the public has an interest in knowing what is happening regarding matters of education at Limkokwing University. ENDS