02 Aug 2021

An exchange between the magistrate and the prosecution in the case in which Obed Baitiredi of Mothwai ward in Sekoma has been accused of murder played out Friday when the prosecution applied for a remand. 

The 36-year old has been accused of the murder of his girlfriend on July 26, in Mabutsane after an alleged misunderstanding. 

A clearly unhappy magistrate, Mr Mpho Setshegetso, took issue with the prosecutors’ application, which he said was wanting as it was merely based on assumption.

He said the court operated on evidence and prosecutors should not be approaching it on the basis of assumptions that they made. 

The investigations officer, Detective Constable Otshedile Popo of Jwaneng CID had argued that since the matter was still fresh, they feared for the safety of the accused as the community and the victim’s family members were still enraged. 

He also argued that they were still to collect statements from potential witnesses and feared that the accused might interfere should he be released. 

He also said that the police were awaiting the post mortem report. 

Mr Setshegetso however, was not convinced that the community was enraged, saying that it was just an assumption by the prosecution. 

In response Detective Constable Popo said it was really up to the court to give the accused bail if it felt it was the appropriate action. 

However, Mr Setshegetso said the court could not use its opinion to give or deny bail, but that the investigating officer and the prosecution should convince it that bail was not the best option. 

In the end and to the relief of the prosecution, Magistrate Setshegetso denied the accused bail until his next mention on August 12. 

The accused is said to have strangled his girlfriend to death in a fit of rage after the girlfriend reportedly reconciled with her ex-boyfriend. Ends