07 Sep 2020

Francistown magistrate Faith Dlamini-Ngandu has set September 15 as the date to hear update on the outcome of reconciliation between the accused and a complainant  in a case in which

Tonota MP Pono Moatlhodi and Nnyana Kebitsang are accused of assaulting a certain Kesego Olekantse (11).

Charges against Maranyane Kebitsang, who had been accused alongside, his wife Nnyana (Kebitsang) and, Moatlhodi, have been dropped because the former has passed on.

This leaves in the dock Moatlhodi and the deceased’s wife Nnyana who are accused of subjecting a certain Kesego to inhuman treatment by assaulting him in Tonota in January 2019.

They are also alleged to thereafter unleashed a dog to bite Kesego causing wounds and bruises on his face and body contrary to the children’s act.

Moatlhodi is accused of allegedly beating the boy after he stole mangoes from his yard.

When the two appeared on September 3 to confirm trial dates of September 22, the court heard from the prosecution that Maranyane passed on recently.

State prosecutor, Gaone Miller therefore requested the court to remove the deceased’s name from the charge sheet which the court acceded to.

Meanwhile, the defence lawyer, Mr Martin Maeba informed the court that the remaining two accused persons have opted for a reconciliation with the complainant.

He submitted that setting a nearer date was not suitable for Nnyana, who was still mourning her late husband.

However, state prosecutor Miller responded that she could only consider such a reconciliation if it came with compensation.

Chief magistrate Dlamini-Ngandu advised the two parties to meet and discuss the prospects of reconciliation before setting September 15 as the date when they would update the court on their agreement.

However, she warned that the reconciliation process should involve the complainant.

The state is expected to call 12 witnesses to testify against the accused.

The accused have pleaded not guilty to the charge. ENDS