14 Jan 2016

The first accused in the murder case of Ms Nthabiseng Motlogelwa has asked Molepolole Magistrate Court to explain why another suspect in the matter has not yet been arraigned. 

Speaking during his brief court appearance together with four co-accused yesterday, Keeagile Sekwati said he had positively identified another suspect in the matter, therefore he wondered why the suspect was not charged and brought before the court. 

Sekwati told the court that the suspect was present when the crime was committed. During the time he identified the sixth suspect, he alleged, the police informed him that indeed they had arrested the suspect and had been in detention for some time. 

In response, one of the prosecutors, Assistant Superintendent Seth Tau said he was not aware that the police had ever arrested the sixth suspect. 

He said he would apply to the court to have the investigating officer put in the dock to give clarity on the matter in the next court appearance.  He, however, asked that the accused be further remanded in custody. 

Meanwhile, one of the defence lawyers, Mr McBain Kgang had earlier requested the prosecution to furnish him with the investigating officer’s statement. 

However, Assistant Superintendent Tau said it was not possible as investigations were still ongoing, promising that he would do so as soon as investigations are complete. 

Other accused persons in the matter are Mojalemotho Mokate, Moetapele Kgololo, Mosimanegape Moatshe and Sebinenyana Puso.  They are accused of murdering Motlogelwa whose decomposed body was found at Mpadithate lands sometime in October 2015.

The deceased was an intern at the magistrate court.  Magistrate Lindiwe Makgoro presided over the case. Ends