18 Nov 2021

The two men accused of possession of firearm, ammunition, vehicle suspected to be stolen outside the country and entering the country through an ungazetted point have been remanded in custody, pending finalisation of investigations.

Though conversant in Zulu and having identified themselves as South African nationals bearing the names Busani Mbatha (46) and Nkepi Magubani (41),the duo did not have any form of identity documents. Without any form of identity documents, the investigating team only relied on what was shared by the accused persons, and therefore their nationality was at the core of the court proceedings hence worth investigating further to establish their true identity.

Broadhurst Magistrate Court concurred with the prosecution to remand the duo in custody.

They were arrested in Block 3, Gaborone on November 16.

Presenting the prosecution case, Inspector Motlalepula Sello has told the court that investigations were still at an embryonic stage and therefore, pleaded with the court to remand the accused persons in custody.

Investigating officer, Detective Superintendent Andrew Mbazo of the Serious Crime Squad concurred with the prosecution’s stance that the accused persons were a flight risk because their particulars were still in doubt.

Supt Mbazo said the duo was arrested after a tip-off that a suspicious vehicle, a grey Volvo bearing false Botswana registration numbers was spotted in Broadhurst, Block 3 location.

“I then invited other support units. The suspected vehicle was intercepted and the suspected persons were arrested in possession of ammunitions of war,” he said.

Though bearing Botswana registration numbers, Supt Mbazo said the vehicle was suspected to originate from South Africa hence the prosecution and investigating teams advised the court to remand the accused persons in custody pending finalisation of the investigations.

The duo told the court that they could not afford the services of an attorney, and would represent themselves in the matter. The accused persons were remanded in custody and the case will mention on December 1, for status hearing. ENDS