21 Sep 2020

Magistrate Daniel Nkau has advised the prosecution to facilitate reconciliation between three accused persons and complainants.

The trio, aged between 18 and 21, was charged with four counts of burglary and stealing from a dwelling house. 

In the first count, Maatla Matsoge (19) of Rungwana ward in Moshupa, Onneetse Marogwe (21) also from the same ward and Tshepiso Ntapile (18)of Modimele ward were accused of acting jointly with a common purpose to break and enter Keatametse Obokeng’s house in Maradu ward in Moshupa with intent to steal on May 20. 

They were also accused of stealing items worth P5 345 from the same house. Items included a television set, computer monitor, open view decoder, 14kg gas cylinder, iron, two full chickens, two-litre drink and P30 coins.

On the third count, the first and second accused persons were charged, alongside another one not before court, of acting jointly and with a common purpose to break and enter into a dwelling house belonging to Thembi Motlhale at Mogaung ward in Moshupa on May 28 with intent to steal. 

They reportedly stole an open view decoder, Blackberry 10 cellphone, Adidas flip flops, all worth P2 050.

All the three accused persons who were before court pleaded guilty to all the charges and the prosecutor, Inspector Cyril Rampefe, told the court that almost all the stolen items had been recovered, save for the flip flops.

The magistrate underscored the need for the prosecution to promote reconciliation between the accused persons and the complainants, considering the latter’s ages. 

He said they were still young and there was hope for rehabilitation. 

However, Magitsrate Nkau noted that reconciliation could only be achieved if the accused could admit their wrongdoing and be prepared to mend their ways.

“Looking at your ages, I believe you can still mend your ways and therefore I recommend reconciliation with the other parties to avoid criminal records for young persons like yourselves.  There is nothing wrong with dreaming big, but the problem arises when you engage in criminal activities that can ruin your future,” he said.

Consequently, the magistrate ordered that accused persons should be subjected to corporal punishment of 10 strokes each and reimburse all costs, including broken doors and windows. 

The accused were also granted bail on condition that they attended all court sessions, while the case was scheduled for October 13 for update on reconciliation. Ends