29 Aug 2017

Gaborone Village principal magistrate, Mr Goodwill Makofi has ordered that an investigating officer be availed in the next mention in a case in which six men are accused of murdering a police officer on August 11.

Magistrate Makofi said it would be crucial for the investigating officer to give a progress report on investigations so that the court could make an informed ruling on the bail application.

The six accused are Thuto Motseothata, 22, Buru Motseothata, 26, Lore Morentwa, 27, Tsaone Motswetla, 25, Karabo Kowa, 26 and Thato Lesela, 28.

They are accused of killing a police officer from Sir Seretse Khama International Airport Police Station at Domboshaba Bar in Gaborone Block 8.

Advancing reasons for bail, the accused said they had been cooperating with the police, and thus expected that they would be given bail.

They said even the investigating officer had told them that investigations were complete.

However, Kowa said he did not know why he was still in custody because he had nothing to do with the alleged crime.
Meanwhile, court papers indicate that the accused, acting together and in consent, armed with knives and bricks, robbed Sergeant Basimane Binikwa of a Huawei cellular phone valued at P2 500 and stabbed him with a knife.

During their mention, state prosecutor, Ms Elang Keitumetse from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) pleaded with the court to further remand the accused, saying the police had only recorded three statements from witnesses and were yet to record more.

Ms Keitumetse further said it would be precarious for the accused to be granted bail because the matter was still new and the public could retaliate.

She said she was optimistic that bail would be considered in a month’s time.

Magistrate Makofi said despite the seriousness of the offence, investigations should be hastened because the freedom of the accused was also important.

They will appear again on September 8. ENDS