16 Aug 2017

A Thamaga police officer, Kealeboga Moatemo (35) appeared before Molepolole Magistrate, Ms Rosemary Khuto on two counts of causing death and drunken driving.

When briefing court, the state prosecutor, Oduetse Ramaphoi of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) informed court that the state was not against the accused being granted bail, but suggested that bail conditions should be imposed.

Ms Ramaphoi suggested that the accused should among others, bind himself with P1 000, to report himself at Thamaga police station every Friday, provide two sureties each binding themselves with P1 000 and not to interfere with some state witnesses that the state prosecutor mentioned.

When asked if he had anything to say, the accused, Moatemo who pleaded not guilty to the charges, said he was still working at Thamaga police station and that some of the witnesses were his colleagues, therefore saying there was no way he could keep a distance from them, hence asking the court to consider that.

The accused further asked court to consider again another bail condition in which he was to report every Friday at the same police station he was working at.  

Lastly, he pleaded with the court to be given all the relevant documents relating to his case as he said he would like to engage an attorney.

For her part, the state prosecutor suggested that to guard against the accused interfering with witnesses, it was best for the accused to refrain from discussing the matter with witnesses.

Ms Ramaphoi sought the advice of the court on another conditions regarding reporting at Thamaga police station.

Magistrate Khuto  said the condition that the accused was not to interfere with witnesses was unattainable, saying it was only upon the prosecution to have a way of guarding their witnesses on how to conduct themselves.

On the issue of reporting every Friday at the same station he is working at, she said that did not give sense unless the accused was interdicted.

According to the particulars of the offence, the accused on September 18, 2016 at Thamaga near Riverside Bar drove a motor vehicle while alcohol content in his breath exceeded the standard limit of 0.35 mg per 1000 milliliters.

He is also accused of causing the death of one Tirelo Sokabe by reckless driving, on the same date at the same spot. He is to appear for mention on October 3. ENDS