16 Aug 2021

Jwaneng magistrate, Mr Mpho Setshegetso has advised Obed Baitiredi, who is accused of murdering his girlfriend to make a formal application for bail.

The 36-year-old accused was also informed to serve the prosecutors well in time so that they would be able to aptly respond during his next mention on August 26.

The advice followed a plea, albeit informal by Baitiredi that reasons advanced by the prosecution to keep him in custody were unfounded.

The prosecution had stated that the matter was still fresh and that the accused was likely to jeopardise investigations, as statements from potential witnesses were yet to be recorded.

Previously, Magistrate Setshegetso said court should be provided with concrete evidence in order to make a bail ruling on the matter.

The accused however was responding to the matter without having made any formal application hence the advice to liaise with the prisons personnel to assist him in drafting one.

“The staff will readily assist you and they are also in a position to serve the prosecution on your behalf so that they can inform themselves to respond adequately in your next mention. 

The court will then decide whether to deny or grant you bail after listening to both parties,” he said.

The accused also complained that ever since he was held in custody, he had never been updated on the progress of the investigations despite his constant asking.

Baitiredi said ever since he was remanded in custody, he had developed some health difficulties, but unfortunately his body was not responding to the medication he had been given.

He said it was a pity that the prisons officers had been reluctant to assist him to seek further medical attention, to which Magistrate Setshegetso ruled that the officer-in-charge should assist accordingly.

Baitiredi is accused of murdering his girlfriend, Omphile Sephetsolo at Mabutsane on July 26. ENDS