16 Aug 2018

Hukuntsi Magistrate, Mr Robin Mmolawa has granted bail to Thabo Mooka, 41, who is facing 26 counts of fraud.

Moroka was employed by Hukuntsi Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) and he hails from Kanye.

It is alleged that on May 2012, with the intent to defraud the Corporation, Moroka authored a payment of receipt number 189936 valued at P4 545.50 in respect of Oabile Kalantle and he fraudulently and falsely remitted P15.70 under the names of Kebadirang Tshwae.

On August 2012, with the intent to defraud authored payment of receipt number 229766 valued P638 in respect of Onkabetse Hiri and fraudulently and falsely remitted P38.  

He is alleged to have stolen cash amounting to P4529.80 on May 2012, being cash payment made in respect of Oabile Kalantle.

The accused pleaded not guilty to all the offences, saying since he had been dismissed from work, he was being punished twice and pleaded for the charges to be withdrawn.

For her part, Magistrate Mmolawa said the corporation was conforming to the set disciplinary procedures to dismiss him after thorough investigations, but the matter is still lingering over his head because he has defrauded the organisation.

The prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent Poloko Oteng told the accused person that he had no power to approach the organisation to withdraw the matter before court, but rather the accused could be the one to approach the corporation for such a request.

The accused person, who said he would seek legal representation, would appear for mention on September 24.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Mmolawa denied 46-year-old Itumeleng Keothobile bail after the accused was charged with unlawful wounding.

It is reported that the accused person, who originates from Ganare ward in Hunhukwe, allegedly had a misunderstanding with Thatayaobe Sekao on August 10 at Oasis bar and unlawfully wounded him with a sharp object on the right thumb.

Furthermore, it is alleged that the accused on August 11 unlawfully wounded the complaint by hitting him with an object on the forehead.

Assistant Superintendent Oteng said police investigations were still underway as the complainant was still admitted at Hukuntsi Primary Hospital and the prosecutors were still uncertain about the complainant’s condition.

In his defence, the accused person pleaded with the court to grant him bail because he did not inform his employer about his absenteeism and that he did not have toiletries in his possession.

He further said he was not happy with the way police handled him.

Upon his arrest, he requested to be taken to the hospital for medical check-up as he was experiencing some pains that he suspected he sustained after he was kicked by the complainant.

Magistrate Mmolawa ordered the police to take the accused person for medical treatment and also arrange for his toiletries to be delivered to him.

The accused will appear for mention on August 28. ENDS