22 Apr 2021

The trio of Lamolelang Gaotlhobogwe of Lobatse as well as Kabelo Motaung and Ntlotlang Moasetso both of Lotlhakane East has pleaded not guilty to store breaking and theft charges.

Kanye Magistrate Court heard that the accused acted together and unlawfully broke into a shop at Kgano ward in Gasita between February 3 and 4, 2021. They stole property worth P34 398 belonging to Mphoentle Tlhalefang.

After their plea before Magistrate Daniel Nkau, the trio indicated that it was ready for trial scheduled for November 11. 

Public prosecutor, Seargent Mabutho Mabutho, served the accused persons with nine witness statements including that of the investigating officer.

The case was scheduled for mention on September 6. 

In another matter before Mr Nkau, Thabiso Binang and Bofelo Keabaitse of Kanye were given up to May 4 to submit their mitigation statements after being convicted of one count of rape.

The facts of the case showed that the two accused persons unlawfully had carnal knowledge of a woman at Tloung ward in Kanye on June 16, 2019. 

The duo reportedly used force and covered the complainant’s mouth with a cloth as they took turns raping her k.

The second accused person’s effort to change his plea proved futile and the magistrate told him that a plea could not be changed after judgement. 

“It is too late to change your plea because judgement has already been passed following your own plea of guilt and the submissions brought before court. You had a chance to change your plea at any stage before judgement but as it is you cannot do that and ignorance of the law is not an excuse,” explained Mr Nkau.

The accused persons remand was extended to May 4 when they would mitigate. ENDS