29 Jan 2023

 A case in which former soccer star, Gaboutlwelwe "Stopper" Modirelabangwe is accused of the murder of his wife has been set for February 13 for bail argument before the substantive magistrate.

Appearing before court on Thursday, stand-in magistrate, Ms Rosemary Khutlo indicated that the substantive magistrate was still on leave.

Magistrate Khutlo made the ruling after prosecutor, sub inspector Kenneth Ramere applied for the accused to be remanded in custody as investigations were still on.

"The post mortem has been done, but the report is expected sometime next week. Meanwhile we would like the accused to be remanded as we fear he might interfere with investigations, especially by contacting potential witnesses," he argued.

He also indicated that they had already managed to record statements from some potential witnesses.Defence attorney, Mr Lesley Malepa however, argued that there was no way his client could interfere with investigations as he did not know whom the state would line up as a witness.

"It is not sufficient for the state to believe my client will interfere with potential witnesses when he does not know any of them," he said.

He further argued that the state could always apply for a court order to prohibit his client from talking to them."It is not for us to remind the state that my client's liberties are enshrined in the constitution. The state has failed to provide sufficient reasons for their plea to further remand the accused, so we pray for bail," he said.

Sub insp Ramere then indicated that they were ready to call the investigating officer to the stand to further motivate reasons for remand, at which point Ms Khutlo ordered that the case be set for February 13. The accused will in the meanwhile be remanded in custody.The 45 year old Modirelabangwe, who is a Botswana Defence Force officer is alleged to have murdered his wife, Dorothy Modirelabangwe at BDF Glen Valley camp on January 13 this year. ENDS