06 Jul 2023

Tsabong Magistrate court has remanded in custody 45- year old Michael Moitato, who is facing charges of breaking into a shop, stealing mobile phones and cash as well as possession of explosives.

According to investigating officer, Detective Constable Difatlhe Oaitse, the accused was arrested on a bus that was travelling from Tsabong to Gaborone on June 29. He told the court that the police had traced the accused’s footprints from Shamima investments at TM Mall in Tsabong to the bus rank where they found that the bus he boarded had already left.
He said the police communicated with Makopong Police to stop the bus and conduct a search. In their search, the officers found a bag next to Moitato who admitted that it was his and handed to the police cash amounting to P14 837.

Detective constable Difatlhe Oaitse further told the court that upon his arrest, the accused admitted to breaking into Shamima Investments in Tsabong but refused to write a statement.

The charge sheet reflects that Moitato of Mmaseetsele ward in Moshupa is charged for unlawful possession of explosive dynamites, as per section 74 sub-section 2 chapter 24 of 2002 Explosives Act on June 29, 2023.
On second count, he is accused of breaking into and entering Shamima Investments with intention to commit an offence contrary to section 302 sub-section A of the penal code.

On count three Moitato is charged for breaking into a shop and stealing mobile phones, electronic tablets gadgets and cash money amounting P17 237, which brings to P45 612, the total value of property and money stolen from Shamima Investments.

Arguing for the accused’s remand, State Prosecutor Sub-inspector Moagi Selogelo said the case was still fresh therefore the accused must be remanded in custody pending investigations. Prosecution also told court that the police were yet to recover some of the stolen items, which included 40 mobile phones and cash amounting to about P3 000 cash.

Remanding the accused in jail, Sub-inspector Selogelo said, would give them time to search accused’s place. Sub-inspector Selogelo said the accused was also found in possession of explosive dynamite component, which the police suspected was the one that was used in some of the robberies in Tsabong around April.
Prosecution needed time as they believed that they would recover some of the stolen items in the previous robberies at Moitato’s residence, he said.

Sub inspector Selogelo reasoned that their crime data base revealed that the accused person was wanted for similar criminal offences with a pending case at Lobatse Magistrate Court, where he was granted bail but, failed to honour court sessions.
A warrant of arrest has been issued to Good Hope Police for his other offence hence the request that the accused be remanded in custody. Moreover, the explosive dynamite was yet to be taken to the lab for examination.

In her ruling, Chief magistrate Ms Kamogelo Mmesi said the offences the accused was alleged to have committed were committed on 29 June  and it was clear that police investigations were at an initial stage.
The court granted prosecution 14 days to wind up investigations. The accused will appear for mention on 14 July. Ends