07 Sep 2018

Four men of Boatlaname and Mokgenene in he Kweneng District appeared before Molepolole magistrate, Ms Rosemary Khuto on Monday in connection with the theft of nine horses.

The quartet of Maitshoko Mmereki (26) and Mpho Koolibile (37) both of Boatlaname and Mooketsi Bakaetswe (45) and Babogisi Molapisi (37) both from Mokgenene are accused of stealing nine horses belonging to Mr Kingsly Kgosidintsi on August 1 near Mmamhatshe cattlepost, all valued at P62 000.

State prosecutor, Sergeant Modiredi Modise of Sojwe police indicated that their investigations were still on and therefore pleaded with the court to keep the four in remand as the investigation team was still looking for two other horses. 

Sergeant Modise said the suspects were likely to temper with the investigating team’s efforts if released.

During his plea, first accused, Mmereki denied any wrong doing, but that he was only assisting the fourth, Koolibile to track his horses. 

He further said the other accused persons, Bakaetswe and Babogisi were not with them and so should be excused from the case. 

Mmereki also said they were not aware of the other two horses that the prosecution said were missing.

Bakaetswe on the other hand told the court that accused Mmereki and Koolibile found him and Molapisi at their cattlepost and requested them to allow them to rest the horses in their kraal as they were tired. 

Koolibile told the court he had no knowledge of the  two branded horses mentioned in the charge-sheet saying he owned horses that are not branded.

Sergeant Modise however, told the court that the prosecution maintained its stand, saying the investigations would prove whether the accused two and three were indeed not involved in the matter.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Khuto gave the prosecution 14 days to finish its investigations and further remanded the four accused persons, and advised the accused that their applications for bail would be considered in the next mention.

The four will appear again before Molepolole magistrate on September 17. Ends