03 Jan 2019

 Two men have appeared for mention before Mahalapye Magistrate Court charged with the killing of an on-duty police officer.

The accused, Thapelo Garenne, 27, and Desmond Chirongwa, 19, both from Maun, are reported to have attacked two traffic police officers who were on duty with an axe near Gwape lands along the A1 road. It resulted in the death of a 39-year-old police officer. The accused are in police custody pending further investigations.

The public prosecutor in the matter, Assistant Superintendent Moses Serojane of Palapye Police Station told the court that on December 24 the duo acted jointly and in consent to cause the death of Constable Nonofo Gontse. He said the police officer, together with his 29-year-old female co-worker, stopped a motor vehicle which was allegedly carelessly driven by the accused.

On the second account, the accused were charged with causing permanent head injuries to the deceased’s co-worker, Ms Masego Sebueng by hacking her with an axe.

Assistant Superintendent Serojane informed the court that the prosecution intended bringing the investigating officer to present on why the accused persons were not eligible for bail. The investigating officer was reported to be attending to a postmortem of the deceased victim.

The prosecutor also told the court that a third accused person, Mpho Maitshoko, 31, would be added to the charge sheet in due course. He is currently admitted at hospital, said Assistant Superintendent Serojane.

He pleaded with the court to further remand the two accused persons in custody. However, the accused persons pleaded with the court to be assisted with collecting their medication from hospital.

Presiding magistrate, Ms Keneilwe Kgoadi instructed the prosecutor to ensure that the accused persons were taken for medical attention. Plea was reserved in the matter and the accused have indicated that they would seek legal representation.

They will appear for bail application hearing on January 8, 2018. “You are advised to appear with your attorneys on your next mention date.

In a case where your attorneys will not make it to court, they must file their power of attorney, written applications for your bail and dates suitable for them to appear before court,” said Ms Kgoadi.

Meanwhile, in another Christmas eve murder case, two men, Vincent Keakile, 24, and Boitumelo Charles, 32, of Palapye appeared before Mahalapye Magistrate Court still on Thursday on a single count of murder.

The accused persons were said to have acted jointly and in consent to cause the death of Boikanyo Mpitse. The state prosecutor, Sergeant Idah Phofuetsile of Mahalapye Police Station stated that investigations in the matter were still at an early stage.

“We are still collecting evidence from potential witnesses while the body of the deceased is still awaiting post mortem,” she said. The case was set for mention on January 10, 2018 where the accused will present their bail application. “You can present your bail application verbally or as a written statement,” advised magistrate Kgoadi.

Still in Mahalapye, Rebecca Kavikunwa, 32, of Herero ward appeared before magistrate Kgoadi charged with a single count of attempted murder.

 According to the prosecution, on December 10, 2018, the accused unlawfully tried to kill her new born baby by dumping her in a pit latrine. Magistrate Kgoadi reminded her in custody until January 7, 2019 when she will appear for bail application hearing.Prior to setting the bail application date, the accused person informed the court that she has three children under her care, and that they were suffering since she was remanded in custody. Magistrate Kgoadi advised the accused to file her bail application as early as possible detailing all her reasons so that it could be attended to as a matter of urgency. ENDS