27 Jan 2022

The prosecution has sought guidance from Broadhurst magistrate court after Mothusi Matomela, one of the accused quartet in the P2.3 million G4S cash heist applied for bail before two different courts.

The accused persons; Matomela, Thapelo Lekobe, Mzwandile Mazibuko and Ntholephi Ntshalintshali, acting together and in concert armed with pistols and rifles allegedly robbed G4S cash and AK 47 rifle and pistol on October 13, 2021 at Turn Right Mall, along Gabane road.

The prosecution request came after Matomela’s defence attorney, Mr Olehile Manchwe launched a bail application for his client.

Prior to responding to the proposed bail application, the prosecutor, Mr Farayi Mahwite advised the court to take note of the fact that, Matomela has another bail application on the same matter pending before Lobatse High Court.

Mr Mahwite said in December 2021, Matomela made an urgent application for bail at Lobatse High Court.

He said the bail application at the high court was awaiting the judge to make a ruling and therefore wondered how its decision would impact on the other proposed bail application.

Mr Mahwite wondered what was going to happen in a case where the verdicts for the two application were to differ.

However, the presiding magistrate, Ms Lesedi Rammapudi directed the prosecution and defence attorneys to serve each other and the court with affidavits concerning the proposed bail applications for all accused persons.

All the four men are charged with armed robbery, unlawful possession of fire arms and ammunition and unlawful possession of goods stolen outside the country.

The South Africa nationals, Mazibuko and Ntshalintshali are also facing another count of entering Botswana through an ungazetted point.

Magistrate Rammapudi will make a ruling on the matter on February 03. BOPA