21 Apr 2014

One of the accused in a case in which a night watchman was murdered in Gaborone North farms on August 28, 2013, has requested the court to provide him with a copy of supporting affidavit to use in his bail application to be filed with the High Court.

During their routine mention to update the court on the progress of the case, Phemelo Tshelang, told the court that he had misplaced his copy at the Gaborone Central Prison where he was remanded with his co-accused, Lebang 'Thabo' Ntesi.

Tshelang told the court that he desperately needed bail as he had been incarcerated ever since he was arrested for the offence. He further complained  that escorting prison wardens refused them to talk to their co-accused who were on bail.

He also alleged that their co-accused were not allowed to visit them at the prison. However, the prosecutor Sub-Inspector Galekhutle Mashumba of Sir Seretse Khama Airport Police Station (SSKAP) informed the court that he was not aware the accused were not allowed to discuss among themselves and that those who were on bail were refused entry to visit others at prison.

He said under normal circumstances, remanded accused could be visited by their co-accused. Sub-inspector Mashumba, who earlier informed the court that investigations into the murder were ongoing and that they were still awaiting forensic report, said he would make sure the accused were given an opportunity to chart among themselves outside the court.

True to his word, upon finishing their mention before Village Court Chief Magistrate, Mrs Linah Oahile-Mokibe, Mashumba did not waste time and ordered the accused to meet and talk their business right away just outside the court.

Meanwhile, the court heard that one of the accused, Mpho Mangwa was recently given bail by the High Court. Others on bail are Gorata Sebego and Patrick Gaile.

They had produced two sureties who bonded themselves with P10 000 each. According to the particulars of the offence, the five men who are all residents of Oodi, on the night of August 28, 2013 at Gaborone North farms acting together with a common purpose murdered one Olebogeng Ramapulane, who was said to have been on duty as a night watchman.

On the second count, the five men were accused for the attempted murder of Liu Jian Hui, still at the same farms on the same day.  During the attempt on his life, Hui was gravely injured and got admitted at Princess Marina Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.

Police had so far managed to recover some items believed to have been stolen during the commission of the offence. They recovered a lap top and P15 280 cash belonging to the injured man.  Police in the meantime are contemplating adding a third charge of armed robbery.
Next mention is scheduled for April 28. Ends