15 Feb 2016

Molepolole principal magistrate Mr William Modise has granted 25 year old Monametsi Maswabi of Phelefu ward in Ramotswa charged with robbery a conditional bail yesterday.

Some of the conditions attached to Maswabi’s bail include payment of P5 000, producing two citizen sureties each paying P2 500 cash before he is released, surrendering his passport to Molepolole station commander and attending all court sessions whenever asked to.

The granting of the bail by the magistrate came after attempts by the prosecution fighting for the remand of the accused as they said investigations in the matter were still fresh as revealed by the state prosecutor Inspector Uyapo Koketso of Molepolole Police Station.

Inspector Koketso further said the property involved being P48 000 cash has not yet been recovered, even the motor vehicle that was used during the time of commission of the crime and also that some of the suspects are still on the run as they have not yet been arrested.

The investigating officer of the case, Detective Sergeant Thamiso Kgangetsile was also brought along to testify supporting the remand of the accused.

In his testimony, Detective Sergeant Kgangetsile supported the remand of the accused echoing the same sentiments like that of the state prosecutor that some other suspects are still at large, saying therefore the accused may meet with them and as a result interfere with police investigations.

When arguing the bail request , the defense attorney Mr Friday Leburu said the accused cannot be used as a bait for the other alleged suspects who are still on the run, more so that the accused did not know the alleged suspects or their whereabouts.

He further said there is nothing that connects the accused to the robbery or the motor vehicle’s number plate which was found some kilometres away from the scene.

He noted that the accused is a citizen of this country and also a community builder doing some voluntary works for the community, saying adequate conditions can be imposed in giving the accused bail.

Meanwhile, the state alleges that the accused together with others who were not before court on the 31st of January this year acting jointly together and in consent at Moripong Complex at Lentsweletau in the Kweneng District, robbed one Samuel Mmadintsi cash amounting to P48 000, at the time of stealing or immediately before or after they used actual violence to retain the stolen cash . Ends