06 Jul 2020

Gaborone High Court Judge, Michael Leburu on Monday postponed Ernest Legwale’s murder trial to July 09. The trial had been scheduled for July 06 to 10.

The postponement was made after the accused person informed the court that his attorney, Advocate David Ndlovu could not attend to court proceedings due to health challenges. Legwale said his attorney was on a three-day sick leave, which effected on July 6, a date that was set for resumption of the trial.

He pleaded with the court to set a new trial date, adding that the postponement would enable him time to consult with his attorney. “I had not met with my attorney to discuss some important elements of this case. I therefore request the court to give me time to fully consult with him before trial resumes,” said Legwale. 

The prosecutor, Advocate Senome Bases informed the court that the prosecution team had made attempts to meet with the defence for the case management but their efforts were futile. Mr Bases cautioned the defence not to engage in delaying tactics by asking for a postponement of the matter.

He argued that the accused person had ample time to consult with his lawyer since the day the trial dates were set. Mr Bases said it was not pleasing for the accused person and his attorney to implore some delaying tactics, particularly that the court had lost plenty of time due to COVID–19 pandemic.

Justice Leburu dismissed the accused person’s request for more time to engage his lawyer.  He said the accused person was given time to consult his attorney, more so that they have been working together since the case registered in 2015, adding that they were also aware of the trial dates. 

Legwale of Phaphane ward in Mochudi, together with two Zimbabwean men, Hamadi Mkhuha and another who is still on the run, is alleged to have plotted the murder of Legwale’s ex-wife, Dimpho Meswele.

The two Zimbabwean nationals, who are alleged to have been hired as hit men by Legwale, murdered the wrong person being Dimpho’s younger sister. Ends