28 Nov 2013

Three men, who are accused of breaking into the Apostolic Faith Mission Church in Molepolole last week, have pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The three are Tshepiso Phekoyame (28) of Mokgalo ward, Goitseone Semme (26) of Mparalatsane ward and Nelson Ithuteng (30) of Matlhalenya ward. They told the Molepolole Magistrate Court that they intend to engage lawyers.

According to the particulars of the offence, on November 21 at Boswelakoko in Molepolole, the three broke and entered a church store room and stole music instruments worth more than P24 000. Police have since recovered some items believed to have been stolen during commission of the offence.

The recovered items included guitars, microphones, mixer, amplifier, batteries and cords. The three applied for bail but Principal Magistrate Bhekimpilo Sibanda refused because the offence occurred recently and police were therefore still investigating. He said the accused men might temper with investigations.

Principal Magistrate Sibanda ruled that the suspects should be remanded in custody. The next mention date is January 7, 2014. Meanwhile, inspector Iponeng Sejeso of CID pointed out that cases of this nature were increasing. Mr Sejeso said people continued to steal from churches, targeting those which used music instruments.

 He urged the leaders of such churches to ensure security in their premises. “Let’s not leave our churches unsecured and believe that since they are holy places no one would temper with them anyhow. Engage physical security or at least alarms and church members can also swap to guard their churches,” he said. ends