05 Nov 2017

Thato Debele, 31, was arraigned on a single count of murder on November 3. 

Debele, who appeared before Ghanzi magistrate, Mr Babedi Mothuba, is accused of murdering 38-year-old, Ms Lizzy Tekae on November 1 at Kuke.

Debele told the court that he intended to seek legal representation.

He had been remanded in custody after the prosecution team argued that investigations were still at an infant stage.

Investigation officer in the case, Detective Inspector Patrick Garenamotse said they were still to confirm the suspect's address, and that they were also concerned that the accused personal safety would be compromised if given bail when looking at the nature and  gravity of the offence.

He added that the public could take the law in their hands.

Also, he said investigations would be completed in a month.

Ruling in favour of the prosecution, magistrate Mothuba concurred that the accused should be remanded in custody for his safety.

In an interview, Ghanzi Police Station Commander, Superintendent Modiri Lekone said it was alleged that the suspect hit the deceased with an axe on the cheek before setting her on fire using petrol.

He said they had a misunderstanding before the incident.

The deceased was a cook at Kuke Primary School and hailed from Kalkfontein.

Supt. Lekone said the deceased was in relationship with the suspect, and were living in the same house at Kuke.

Debele will appear again on November 16. ENDS