16 Dec 2021

Kealeboga Baese (32) The fourth accused in the murder of Keabetswe Tantapane, did not make it to court because Moshupa Prison, where he has been remanded is plagued by COVID-19, the Village Magistrate Court heard yesterday.

The other three accused, Tefo Garefetse and Thato Letowa both aged 23 years and 19-year-old Kaelo Jack, appeared before Principal Magistrate, Ms Lindiwe Makgoro on December 16 for extension of their remand warrants.

Said the prosecutor, Sergeant Dumilani Setlhako of Botswana Police when asking the court for further remand: “We are concerned about the safety of the accused persons as family members, friends and some members of the community were angered by their act,” Also investigations were also still at an early stage.

Meanwhile, the first and second accused, Garefetse and Letowa, told the court that they were concerned about their property as they were hastily arrested and did not have time to leave it in anybody’s care.

Letowa was also concerned about his job because he had left without his employer’s consent.

The teenager, Jack also shared with the court his concerns, arguing that he had nothing to do with the alleged criminal act.

“I am not part of the case, it only happened that I was arrested with the other accused persons.

I do not know why I am here, therefore I am pleading with the court to grant my freedom,” said Jack. Responding to the accused’s plea, Ms Makgoro stated that during the last court appearance before Chief Magistrate, Dr Goodwill Makofi, an order was issued for the accused to be remanded in custody pending finalisation of the investigations.

“Since the status quo has not changed, the order shall remain inforce. Therefore the accused persons are further remanded in custody pending finalisation of the investigations,” said Ms Makgoro.

The accused will appear for mention on December 29.

The four are accused of attacking and murdering, Tantapane in Mompane village on November 26. ENDS