20 Jun 2023

Ext II Magistrate Ms Kamogelo Mmesi has granted bail to nine of the 11 accused persons charged with trafficking drugs into the country.

The nine suspects; Nelson Mmereki, Katlego Diboko, Boago Ramarumo, Keabetswe Moemele, Moabi Ranyere, Tshepo Matshaba, Lesego Bogatsu, Katlholo Molapo and Phenyo Setshwantsho were each ordered to pay P5 000 for their bail.

Further, each was ordered to provide two sureties who would bind themselves with P25 000 each. Magistrate Mmesi also ordered the accused persons to report to Naledi Police Station fortnightly and not to interfere with state witnesses, as well as to surrender their travel documents.

However, Setshwantsho was excluded from surrendering his travel documents as he was employed as a truck driver.

The bail ruling however excluded Kemoitseele Kopano who was granted bail by Lobatse High Court last week while Mgucigi Dlamini of Swaziland was remanded in custody, pending the decision concerning his bail application scheduled for June 27.

The suspects aged between 22 and 44 years were arrested at the beginning of the month at Gaborone West Industrial following a police search in which 18 bags containing dagga were confiscated.

When appearing before Magistrate Mmesi on Monday, prosecutor Ms Tebo Monyeki of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) said the state was not opposed to the accused being admitted to conditional bail.

However, she stated that investigations were ongoing and requested the court to reserve plea.

She said the DPP had not yet received the weight of the dagga which was the subject matter to the charges. The nine suspects will mention on August 9 for status hearing. ENDS