02 Dec 2018

Jwaneng Magistrate, Mr Odirile Mokgatle has remanded the trio of Thuso Mahudiri (25), Otsile Mphetlhe (24) and Otlaadisa Itumeleng (23), who are accused of the murder of Philip Makabe.

According to the charge sheet, the accused had acted jointly with a common purpose and murdered Makabe on or about November 27, 2018 at or near Jwaneng.

Advancing the reasons why he wanted the accused to be remanded in custody on November 29, investigating officer Detective Constable, Kgotla Molapisi told the court that the matter was still new and the investigating  team was yet to record statements from potential witnesses.

Also, he said the accused should be reprimanded as they might interfere  with police investigations as some of the witnesses were their friends.

“The case is a serious offence of murder, which has attracted the attention of the Jwaneng community.

Thorough investigations need to be conducted especially because the offence occurred during a drinking spree,” he explained.

Detective constable Molapisi further said the accused were repeated offenders as Mphetlhe had a pending case of unlawful wounding, which had not yet been registered before court, while Itumeleng was on bail on a rape case.

For his part, Mr Mokgatle noted that the prosecution’s application to remand the accused was not opposed adding that it was early to grant the accused bail due to the gravity of the offence.

He further said the habit of accused persons of committing crime repeatedly was disqualifying them for bail candidacy.

“Though the court takes into consideration that the accused are innocent until proven guilty by a court of law, and the issue of absconding trial was not raised by the prosecution, for the interest of justice, the accused persons will be remanded in custody,” he said.

The accused persons will appear for mention on December 13, 2018 ENDS