17 Apr 2017

Pastor Mooketsi Mogomotsi of Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) in Mochudi, who is facing murder charge for killing his wife has been denied bail. 

Reverend Mogomotsi (42) together with Thapelo Tlhase (24), and Mokganedi Porogwane (41) appeared before Mochudi Magistrate Court on Thursday charged with the murder of his wife, who died in January following a brutal attack by alleged thieves at their home in Mochudi.

When making the bail ruling, Magistrate Keabetswe Mojuta denied the accused bail on the grounds that the state requested more time and space to gather evidence and that the investigations were fairly new.

“The investigating officer has clearly informed the court that their investigations entail visiting and searching the accused’s house. It is my consideration that the evidence is volatile and there is a likelihood of interference with the gathering of evidence,” Magistrate Mojuta said.

She further said in the interest of justice, the court did not want to put the police under pressure to hurry their investigations just because the accused wants to be released.

Moreover, she said she had considered the reasons advanced by the defence that the accused was a community leader and would not flee the country once granted bail and that he had two minor children under his care and sought to be allowed to mourn the death of his wife.

“The court must balance the interest of the society in offences of this nature. It is these offences the society demands they be considered on their merits rather than the technicalities of bogus investigations, hence this court’s allowance for the state to wrap up their investigations. I therefore accede to their request that the accused is not a good candidate for bail,” Magistrate Mojuta said.

Reverend Mogomotsi, who was allegedly kidnapped and severely assaulted, faces a murder charge with the co-accused for the death of his wife, who died in January after a brutal attack at their home.

The accused was advised of his right to appeal with the high court within 14 days while the other two accused did not request for bail.

The three accused will appear for another mention on April 27. BOPA