10 Aug 2017

Molepolole Magistrate Court has for the second time revoked bail granted to murder suspect, Baangulanyi Nswazwi, 53, following his alleged contravention of his bail conditions granted by High Court Judge, Justice Michael Mothobi on June 14.

Nswazwi was re-arrested in Palapye on August 4 after he failed to report to the Mochudi Police Station as ordered by the High Court.

It is alleged that the accused repeatedly sent Ms Pinkie Taupedi love messages thus contravening one of the High Court orders.

Prosecutor, Mr Farayi Mahwite of the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) informed Molepolole magistrate, Ms Lindiwe Makgoro that the prosecution had decided to have the accused appear on August 8 after he bridged his bail condition.

Nswazwi was scheduled to appear before court on August 22 after he bridged some of the bail conditions set by the High Court following his appeal against the decision to deny him bail by the Molepolole Magistrate Court.

Mr Mahwite said the accused’s docket was ready for committal to the High Court for prosecution.

Meanwhile, a family spokesperson, Ms Montlenyane Taupedi, the sister to the late Odirile Taupedi, allegedly murdered by the accused in August 2016, expressed disappointment at the manner in which the police were handling the case.

Ms Taupedi said they were worried that the police took a long time to apply for a warrant of arrest against the accused after the report of bridging some of his bail conditions was made.

She also noted that Ms Taupedi was moved to an unspecified shelter in Gaborone from Maunatlala where she was working as a teacher after the accused reportedly went to the place where she previously rented in search of her.

The family spokesperson said she  halted an attempt by the police to arrange a meeting between Ms Taupedi and the accused to effect arrest after several attempts to communicate with her.

She is a one of the key state witnesses in the case.

Nswazwi of Mothombo ward in Mapoka allegedly murdered 49-year-old Ms Taupedi of Molepolole.

Meanwhile, Molepolole Acting Station Commander, Assistant Superintendent Salome Segale has confirmed the re-arrest of Nswazwi at Palapye by Molepolole police for allegedly threatening Ms Taupedi’s liberty.

He, however, could not explain how the accused was arrested in Palapye from Bokaa in Kgatleng where he was supposed to be confined following a court order. ENDS