16 Jul 2014

Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) prosecutor, Ms Thato Gower has assured the Village Magistrate Court that committal papers for murder accused, Taku Gandari would be ready when the suspect makes his next appearance on July 28.

Ms Gower made the assurance during Gandari’s mention on July 14 after she was asked how long it would take for the prosecution to process committal papers for the suspect.

The prosecutor had earlier informed the court that committal papers were not yet ready and requested the court to extend the remand warrant.  Gandari lost his bail application at the Gaborone High Court recently and would remain incarcerated until his case comes to finality.

In the past, different Village Magistrate Court magistrates, whom Gandari have appeared before for mention, had been informed that the director of DPP had sent back the committal documents in order for an additional statement to be added.

However, this took a long time than anticipated and the Monday assurance would be a positive development for Gandari, who had been in custody since March last year.

Ms Gower, who was late last year allocated the case, told the court that assessment on the case has been done and that the prosecution was waiting for the director to append his signature on the documents.

The Zimbabwean-born Gandari, who is a builder by profession, had previously contemplated engaging a legal counsel but could not secure one. He was self-represented at his recent bail hearing, which he lost.

Gandari is accused of murdering his Motswana wife, Omphile last year March, at Maipei ward in Mmopane after an alleged misunderstanding between the couple. 

The accused will appear for another mention on July 28 when his committal documents to the high court will be expected to be ready. ENDS