09 Oct 2016

Lobatse chief magistrate, Mr Mareledi Dipate has remanded two men in custody in connection with two counts of robbery on Thursday (October 6).

The accused persons, Itumeleng Mmusi (21) and Otlaadisa Kholombo (23) are alleged to have committed robbery near Lobatse Old Stadium on October 1.

It is alleged that the duo acted jointly and robbed Mr Mompati Chepete a black Samsung phone valued P600 and immediately thereafter used violence on the said Mr Chepete to overcome his resistance by strangling and pointing a knife at him.

On count two, the accused persons are alleged to have on the same night still at Lobatse Old Stadium jointly robbed Ms Kearoma Lekgowe a black hand bag valued at P200, red black purse valued at P50 , two bank cards, a medical card and a locker key’s value at P60.

The accused persons are alleged to have used violence upon commission of the alleged offence by pointing the victim with a knife to overcome her resistance.

The prosecutor sub inspector Mishingo Kedikanetswe said the stolen property has not yet been recovered; hence he pleaded with the court to further remand the accused persons in custody.

“Investigations into this matter are ongoing and the stolen property has not yet been recovered. Releasing the accused persons on bail may jeopardise our investigations,” Kedikanetswe said.

Earlier on, the accused persons applied for bail, but their plea was unsuccessful as they will only be given feedback on their next mention.

Mmusi said his girlfriend was in confinement, hence there would be no one to take care of his children if denied bail.

“My girlfriend has just gone into confinement and there will be no one to take care of my child if I am not granted bail.” he said.

The second accused, Kholombo said he has children whom solely depend on him for survival.

“I have four young siblings who I take care of. They depend on me and I have just been employed on Monday, being remanded in custody will lead me to lose my job and at the same time there will be no one to take care of the children, hence I apply for bail,” he said.  

The accused persons were remanded in custody and will appear for mention on October 20. ENDS