30 Jan 2019

Francistown Magistrate Kosi Makobo has dropped charges against two accused persons in a car hijacking case.

Alakanani Moseki and Batsho Majuta were part of the fivemen gang arrested on January 13 on allegations of stealing a motor vehicle. This came after the prosecutor in the case, Sergeant Jacob Handly told the court that they do not have enough evidence to proceed with the prosecution of the duo.

The other three accused, Morwaake Baiphetlhi 28, Ofentse Moseki 20 and Ishmael Phondo were further remanded in custody. The prosecutor informed the court that investigations into the matter had been completed and the docket sent to the Directorate of Public Prosecution. The three are alleged to have, acting in concert, robbed Kabo Gaseitsewe of a motor vehicle. They have not been asked to plead.

The particulars of the case are that the trio on January 13, allegedly robbed the victim at Gerald Estates near Area 26 of a maroon Toyota RunX valued at R94 999, two Huawei cellphones, two Samsung cellphones, a Nokia cellphone, a South African passport, driver’s license and car registration book.

The value of the cellphones is estimated at P10 600.

The court heard that the complainant was on his way from Shashe Mooke as he decided to stop along the way to relieve himself when he was attacked by armed men who violently took away his car. When they were given the opportunity to ask the prosecutor questions, Baiphetlhi and Moseki wanted to know why they could not apply for bail since investigations had been completed.

Phondo wanted to know why he was arrested since the complainant indicated that he was not present at the crime scene.

However, Magistrate Makobo informed that the prosecutions would bring the investigating officer to advance the reasons why they should be remanded in custody.

The magistrate further informed them that they were at liberty to apply for bail at their next mention from the substantive magistrate who was handling the case. 

The accused will appear for another mention on February 11. ENDS