18 Dec 2015

Magistrate Lindiwe Makgoro has denied bail to five accused persons alleged to have killed Ms Nthabiseng Motlogelwa sometime in October in what is suspected to be a ritual murder.

The five; Keagile Sekwati, Mojalemotho Mokate, Moetapele Kgololo, Mosimanegape Moatshe and Sebeninyana Puso plus others who were absent in court are alleged to have jointly murdered Ms Motlogelwa, a former intern at Molepolole Magistrate Court at or near Mpadithate Lands near Mogonono settlement where her decomposed body was found.

Magistrate Makgoro told three defence counsels that she would be starting leave on December 18 and would only decide the matter in March.

The three attorneys concurred that the prosecution had failed to respond to bail applications they filed with the Department of Public Prosecution around October 14.

One attorney, Ms Legolo Relaeng,  earlier applied for her client to be released arguing that it would be unfair for a suspect to continue being incarcerated when nothing tangible linked him to the alleged offence, arguing that the court had to bear in mind the suspect’s right to liberty.          

Attorney Mr Letlhogonolo Makgae representing Mokate, dismissed the prosecution claims over the fact that they were not informed about the attorneys’ intention to make bail application saying the court was not a social event where invitations could be extended to individuals saying they were aware of the fact that the case was coming on December 17.

Mr Mc Bain Kaang of Kaang and Associates also dismissed the prosecution’s claim as a nonstarter because there was no how the prosecutor could simply expect the court to rely on him about issues on investigations when the investigating officer could have been brought before court to give update on progress made so far.

The prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent Seth Tau succeeded after the court deferred ruling for March 17 next year.  Ends