08 Apr 2014

Molepolole Chief Magistrate Dlamini Faith N’gandu has set trial dates for the long pending case in which two men are facing charges of robbing Trojan Security of P2 million.

The case was initially scheduled to be heard for six days sometime November last year, but now it has been set for July 28, 29 and 31 as well as August 18, 19, 25 and 26. These dates were set on request from the prosecution led by state counsel, Ms Thato Dibeela.

Gerald Zhikhale and Meshack Kgangangwane, aged 35 and 41, are the two remaining accused persons to stand trial after the death of co-accused Motlhatlhobi Bagopi and Brutas Mokgalo.

Bagopi died in January last year after a short illness while Mokgalo committed suicide in South Africa. The fifth accused Onkabetse Malope turned state witness. The five accused persons together with two others still at large were charged with robbing Trojan Security Company over P2 million belonging to Bank Gaborone at Kumakwane sometime in August 2011 at gun point.

The trial dates were set following a request by the prosecution to have the case tried for seven days since the initial six days set for the matter sometime late last year could not materialise. Ms Dlamini N’gandu ordered the prosecutor Ms Dibeela to avail herself on May 6 for confirmation of trial dates and finalization of case management.

In a separate case, Magistrate N’gandu has ordered for the availing of an English video footage in addition to the availed Setswana footage containing events of a case where five Molepolole men are accused of injuring Morris Sekgee and Tiego Charlie at Diagane lands sometime in March last year.

The five accused, Masego Phuduhudu, Setoba Kgalaeng, Balimi Kgalaeng, Badisa Kgalaeng, and Atamelang Molwapula were each charged for unlawfully causing grievous harm to Morris Sekgee and Tiego Charlie by hitting them with sticks all over the body until they sustained injuries.

Magistrate N’gandu had made an order compelling Btv to provide footage of the actual event of the fateful day to be played during case management scheduled for April 3.

She further ordered for the officer responsible for preparing the footage Mr Onalethata Motlhanka to be called to testify when the case resumes in July 18. Meanwhile prosecutors appearing before Molepolole Chief Magistrate Ms Dlamini Faith N’gandu have been warned against arraigning suspects before investigations could be completed.

The magistrate expressed worry over the fact that prosecutors drag cases on the basis that investigations were not completed. She then advised the prosecution to ensure that they do what needed to be done before cases could be brought to court instead of registering cases before investigations could be finalised. BOPA