12 Jul 2022

Murder accused, Lovemore Sithole, will remain in custody as per Lobatse Magistrate Court decision. 

Sithole is accused of the murder of Tlotso Karema of Peleng ward in Lobatse.

Senior Magistrate Kaveri Kapeka set July 27 as mention date for update on status of the investigations.

The prosecutor, Ms Tamela Mbulawa from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) submitted that the accused should be ramanded in custody because investigations in this sensitive case were ongoing.

The prosecution was also concerned about the accused’s safety.

Ms Mbulawa said since the disappearance of Tlotso and subsequent discovery of his remains, the community of Peleng location in Lobatse were unsettled, as a result Sithole’s safety was at risk.

The prosecution further pleaded with the court to remand Sithole in custody since he was a foreign national and therefore was likely to flee the country.

Ms Mbulawa indicated that the matter was still new and therefore investigations were at an initial stage.  She said the accused person was likely to interfere with potential witnesses, adding some potential exhibits were yet to be found.

“For the sake of not jeopardising the investigations, we plead with court to remand the accused person in custody,” she said. 

Sithole (37), a Zimbabwean national, preferred to use Shona, therefore court proceedings were conducted through the assistance of a Shona interpreter.

He concurred with the prosecution’s request for his remand in custody. 

Sithole who is facing one count of murder is said to have on March 18, 2022 between Molapowabojang and Lobatse murdered Tlotso.

Meanwhile, Botswana Police  Service is offering a P50 000 reward to anyone with information that could lead to arrest of suspects in involved in the murder of seven-year-old Tlotso. 

They can contact Lobatse Police Station on 533 0222, 533 0738, 999 or any nearest police station. Ends