26 Jul 2020

Murder accused, Raven Mogapaesi has pleaded with Broadhurst Chief Magistrate, Linah Mokibe – Oahile to direct the prosecution to furnish him with the case record.

Mogapaesi said during the last mention, the prosecution team had informed the court that investigations were complete and therefore he was wondering why they were not providing him with witness statements. 

He said the case record would assist him in preparing his defence, adding it was important for him to get hold of the documents well in time so he could get assistance from professionals on how to defend himself. 

“It is frustrating enough that this case is stagnant, it would be of great assistance to know the weight of the evidence against me and prepare well,” he said. 

Mogapaesi and three other accused persons; Joseph Boheto, Lethata Lesole and Goldman Nkunga, are said to have on July 11, 2019 at or near Mogoditshane, allegedly stabbed one Wilson Chiundo and robbed other passengers in a combi of their valuables at knife point. 

The victim sustained grievous knife stab injuries and was later on that day certified dead by a health official. 

Public prosecutor, Ms Juliet Tshokonego told court that police investigations were complete and the case had been handed to Directorate of Public Prosecution, where it would be assigned a prosecutor. 

Because the case involves murder and robbery, Ms Tshokonego said the substantive prosecutor must be given time to familiarise with the matter. 

She further confirmed that the investigating team had previously informed court that the case record was ready which included post mortem and forensic results and witness statements.  

Ms Mokibe-Oahile set the case for mention on August 31 for status update. 

She also ordered that the second and fourth accused persons’ remand warrant be extended until the next mention date. 

She further said the accused persons would only get hold of the requested documents evidence documents when their case was committed for trial, therefore they would have to wait until the trial dates were set. ends