01 Apr 2015

Francistown magistrate, Mr Dumisani Basupi, has ruled that the former police officer, Atlholang Munjangi, who is a facing a charge of malicious damage to property has a case to answer.

Giving the ruling on March 26, Mr Basupi said the accused’s submission that he should not have be charged left a lot of unanswered questions. 

Mr Basupi said since the court ruled that the accused had a case to answer, Mujangi had an option of either making a defence by challenging the prosecution witnesses’ evidence or remaining silent.

He explained that Mujangi could challenge the witnesses’ evidence by either giving sworn evidence and be cross examined by the prosecution or give unsworn evidence.

Mr Basupi further cautioned Mujangi that the court attached more weight to the sworn evidence because it could be scrutinised and tested through questions and the accused could also call witnesses to testify.

Mujangi told the court that he will give sworn evidence and his counsel, Mr Kabelo Gaonyadiwe of KK Sechele Attorneys indicated that in addition to the evidence one more witness will be called.

Previously the prosecution submitted that the accused was responsible for causing the fire that burnt a corolla belonging to one Mr Letsweletse Matome. The vehicle was parked at Ms Segolame Tshekiso.

The prosecution said the accused, who is an ex-boyfriend to Ms Tshekiso, had long been concerned about the vehicle parking at Ms Tshekiso’s place and had threatened on two occasions that he will do something about the vehicle and its owner.

The prosecution also submitted that the accused told Ms Tshekiso’s son about his dislike of the vehicle and that he will investigate who the owner was.

The defence had submitted that on the fateful night the accused was without a key and was locked in the house by his cousin who only returned in the morning and that Ms S Tshekiso’s other previous lovers should be suspects in the matter. 

During trial the investigating officer, Detective Sub Inspector Moswaane Koboyankwe told the court that the vehicle was valued at P30 000 and total value of the burned parts of the vehicle was around P4 600. The parts included a battery, fan belt, dashboard, left headlamp and the grill amongst others.

Mr Goitseone Makgowa and Ms Tawana Kapongo from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions are prosecuting and the case will continue on April 9. ENDS