Murder accused deported arraigned
25 Nov 2023
A 31-year-old man, Tshepo Mmolawa of Botapo Ward in Mabutsane was on Thursday arraigned before Jwaneng magistrate court for murder that took place in 2021.
Mmolawa is accused of murder of special constable, Keneilwe Macheng on December 7, 2021 in Mabutsane and set her house on fire before fleeing to South Africa with a stolen vehicle.
He was arrested by Botswana Police Service upon deportation by South African authorities on November 22, after serving his prison sentence for entering the country through an ungazetted point and theft of a motor vehicle.
Opposing the accused’s bail, the investigating officer, Assistant Superintendent Shathani Thebele said they needed time to re-open investigations into the matter and the pending arson as well as theft of motor vehicle cases, for which the accused was a suspect.
He noted that such were all serious crimes which needed due diligence.
He submitted that the accused was a flight risk since he managed to illegally cross to South Africa with the stolen vehicle in December 2021.
He further said they feared for his safety since the residents were aware that he was back.
Prosecutor, Sub-Inspector Keokopile Monaka of Mabutsane police station corroborated the investigating officer’s reasons in opposing bail.
He also rubbished claims by the accused that he was on chronic medication.
The accused person was remanded and scheduled to appear for mention on December 5. Ends
Source : BOPA
Author : Kehumile Moekejo
Location : JWANENG
Event : Court appearance
Date : 25 Nov 2023