09 Nov 2016

A murder suspect who was previously granted bail failed to get his freedom back on November 8 after Molepolole magistrate, Ms Lindiwe Makgoro, dismissed his bail application.

Murder accussed, Baangulanyi Nswazwi had made the bail application through his attorney, Mr Bugalo Maripe to have the court reverse its decision to revoke his bail.

The revocation of his bail followed allegations that he interfered with prosecution witnesses. Magistrate Makgoro said she initially granted the suspect conditional bail because prosecution had failed to advance convincing reasons why the suspect could not be granted bail.

She dismissed the accused’s application on the basis that he failed to conduct himself in an acceptable matter after the court previously granted him bail.

Ms Makgoro said she got to understand the case better after the prosecution counsel, Mr Farayi Mahwite told the court that it will be risky to grant the accused bail because his initial target was the deceased’s daughter  who escaped death on the fateful night leaving his mother on the hands of the suspect.

Reasons for revoking the accused’s bail was prompted by a text message and call directed to one of the key prosecution witness Ms Pinkie Taupedi, who was the accused’s former girlfriend, something that prompted the prosecution to request the court to reverse its decision because he, (accused) bridged one of his bail conditions.

Ms Makgoro further indicated that, although the court did not understand the intention of the message that appeared to be harmless by just looking at it, it was difficult to know what was in his mind and therefore felt it would be appropriate to cancel his bail for protection of the said witness.

The defence’s contention was that the message was mistakenly delivered to Ms Pinkie and that its content was harmless with no intention to harm or offend her.

Mr Maripe further pleaded with the magistrate to grant the accused bail arguing that his detention has impacted negatively on his life because he has not been able to generate income to be able to take care of his six-year -old -child.

Ms Makgoro dismissed plea by the defence that a stiffer bail conditions may be imposed against him not to communicating with possible prosecution witnesses arguing that his previous conduct makes it difficult for the court to trust him, but felt the best remedy was to take away his liberty.

The 52-year-old ex-soldier is facing a single count of murdering a Kgomotso Primary English Medium school, Ms Taupedi at his Lesetlheng home in Molepolole in August this year.

The accused will appear again for mention on November 22. ENDS