12 Apr 2016

Jwaneng magistrate, Ms Segametsi Basinyi has issued a warrant of arrest for 34-year-old Kutlwano Tshikantwa after the latter missed a court mention.

Tshikantswa, who is facing two counts of assault common, is alleged to have assaulted Laone  Kalakane on July 25, 2014 and a police officer, Mosarwa Lesaka during his arrest.

He was granted bail but missed court three times before the prosecution led by Sub Inspector Edwin Supang applied for his arrest, subsequently leading to the revoking of his bail.

He later appeared with his attorney, Mr Kelebileone Malefo who convinced the court to grant him bail, arguing that he unintentionally missed court because he had to deal with his insurance and marital matters.

Mr Malefo also pleaded with court to consider the fact that a person was innocent until proven guilty, and to release the accused because he was at risk of losing his job if incarcerated.  

He said the accused did not have enough time to consult with his attorneys and that it was difficult for him to collect evidence of his previous absenteeism because he was in jail.

Malefo said the conduct of the accused made him a bail candidate because he was never hunted and  shown remorse for his actions and apologised.

He pledged to be the legal custodian and ensure that the accused attend all court sessions.  He was granted bail of P2 000, ordered to present a surety who would pay P1 000 and report to the Jwaneng police every Monday and further ordered that he should attend all court sessions.

However, court received a notice of withdrawal to provide legal services from his attorney dated February 10, 2016 and the accused remains self-represented.

On Monday he missed court for the fifth time and a sick leave was filed which both the court and the prosecution rendered unauthentic and his warrant of arrest was issued. ENDS