15 Feb 2018

Kanye Magistrate Court has denied bail to three accused persons, who allegedly murdered Mr Thatayaone Ogotseng near Mpuutsane Ward in Kanye on January 14, 2018.

Senior Magistrate Bame Ngaka said the trio should be remanded in custody until March 1, where he  would deliver a ruling about their plea.

The three accused are, Tiroyaone Masuku (45) years of Letlhakane East, Kamogelo Ralokha (30) of Kanye and Kedibonye Ramoruiwa (44) of Kanye. Masuku requested bail before court saying she was looking after her young sick child and other siblings who needed her assistance.

She promised that she would not interfere with the investigation. Ralokha, who also wanted bail, indicated that he would stay with his sister in Lobatse, while Ramoruiwa told the court that she was also looking after her children.

She said she had obtained loan from Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency to expand her business.

She said if denied bail, the business would suffer and she would not be able to pay back the loan. 

Earlier, investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Ukamburira Kutewa told court that they were left with five witnesses to investigate. 

The investigating officer also told court that the accused should not be granted bail because residents of Letlhakane East were still baying for their blood.

The officer also stated that the accused also might interfere with investigations with some witnesses who  were still to be interviewed.

Particulars of the offence are that three accused persons on the 13th and 14th of January 2018 at or near Mpuutsane ward in Kanye in the Southern District acting jointly and in concert with a common purpose murdered, Mr Ogotseng.

They are facing single count of murder contrary to section 202 of the Penal Code Cap 08:01 of Botswana Laws.

The senior magistrate further told the court that although accused were normally deemed innocent until proven otherwise, it was the duty of the courts to balance the interests of the accused and those of the society before granting or denying bail. Ends