21 Jul 2019

Two Batswana males appeared before Ghanzi senior magistrate, Thapelo Buang recently in connection with possession of goods stolen outside Botswana.

It is alleged that the accused, Thomas Kapii and Steve Kebetane, had in their possession 10 sheep which were suspected to have been stolen outside Botswana.

Advancing reasons why the accused persons should be denied bail, investigating officer under Kgomokhumo anti stock theft operation at Ghanzi Police Station, Sub Inspector Rameno Mompati told court that five sheep were recovered on July 10 and another five were recovered on July 16 in Kapii’s kraal at Grootlaagte.

He said the recovered animals were part of 23 sheep reported stolen in Namibia.

He was hopeful that they would recover more sheep ‘in the absence of accused persons’ interfering with investigations.

The defence led by Philimon Leitshamo of Leitshamo Attorneys held that the prosecution failed to present material facts that could convince the court to deny his clients bail.

He said the prosecution failed to deliberate on principles of bail, and to demonstrate how his client could interfere with investigations and possibilities of them not appearing before court when summoned to. He said the accused right to liberty should not be denied without reasonable basis.  

He also said the prosecution had no jurisdiction on matters that happened in foreign sovereign states.

Magistrate Buang, however, granted conditional bail to Kebetane of P3 000. He was also to provide two Batswana sureties to a sum of P3 000 each before being released.

He was ordered not to interfere with investigations or potential witnesses and not to commit any criminal offence while on bail. Kapii was remanded in custody until the next mention on July 25.

In another matter, Leatile Masekamela, who is facing one count of threat to kill, appeared before magistrate Buang.

It is alleged that Masekamela had relayed a message threatening to kill one Olorato Ditlhabang and himself.

Masekamela, whose plea was reserved, was granted bail on condition that he paid P1 000 and provided two Batswana sureties who would bid themselves with P1 000 each. His next mention is October 24.

Meanwhile, Thebolo Mangate of Khurakhura ward in Ghanzi appeared before court for house breaking and for stealing from a dwelling house. ENDS