20 Oct 2022

Jwaneng magistrate, Mr Mpho Setshegetso on Thursday remanded murder accused 38-year-old Stefhanus Vissagie of Tsabong in custody. Vissagie is accused of murdering his fellow villager, John Vissagie, 44, on October 14.

Mr Setshegetso agreed with the prosecution’s plea that the accused was a likely flight risk as he had relatives in neighbouring South Africa, and that the gravity of the offence also dictated that the investigating team be given time to collect evidence without the chance of the accused interfering.

The prosecutor, Sub-inspector Moagi Selogelo of Tsabong police, through the investigating officer, detective sergeant Metseyabangwe Motlhanka indicated that they were still to collect statements from some of the witnesses of the crime, and that there was also a need to remand the accused for his own safety as the relatives of the deceased were still incensed.

Detective Sergeant Motlhanka however, nearly contradicted his argument when he answered no to an enquiry from Mr Setshegetso if  the state would suffer any prejudice if the accused was released. This prompted Sub Inspector Selogelo to clarify to him the meaning of the word ‘prejudice’ before he changed and indicated that indeed the state would be prejudiced.

The accused denied that he was a flight risk, saying he did not have a passport, to which Detective Sergeant Motlhanka asserted that there was still a possibility of him crossing at an ungazzetted point. Detective Sergeant Motlhanka also said the matter was still fresh, contrary to the accused’s reasoning that time elapsed was enough for the police to have wrapped up their investigations.

Sub Inspector Selogelo also prayed with the court that although ‘one is innocent until proven guilty, there should also be a balance between the rights of the accused and the interests of the community.

Vissagie is accused of having killed his victim with a sharp instrument at a drinking sport.

He is expected to appear for mention before the Tsabong magistrate on November 7.

The case was handled by the Jwaneng court as the Tsabong magistrate was on leave. ENDS