Magistrate sets bail conditions for Mojadigo
21 Jul 2024
The founding pastor of Divine Anointing Church International, Apostle Goitsekgosi Mojadigo, should stay away from the activities of the church he founded.
Such is one of the bail conditions imposed on him by Magistrate Queen Moanga of Mochudi Magistrate Court on Thursday.
Mojadigo, 33, is facing four offences of defilement and rape.
When admitting him to bail, Ms Moanga said when motivating for bail, the defence had indicated that his client was willing to stay away from activities of the church for his liberty, if the court was desirous of such.
Ms Moanga said her decision should not be interpreted as an attempt to close down the church, adding that if the church could operate without him in attendance, it should continue to operate.
She said she does not think the accused person would contaminate witnesses’ statements as they were already recorded.
The only interference she could foresee was if the witnesses could become hostile during trial.
She also said the accused person did not qualify to be termed a habitual offender who ought to be denied bail, adding that he could be termed such if he would continue to commit the crime while on bail.
She said the offences were committed between January and May this year, adding that their volumes were not anticipated by the law when it was crafted.
Furthermore, she said the court had the discretion to refuse bail if it was of the view that the accused can commit the same offences while on bail.
As part of his bail conditions, the magistrate ordered Mojadigo to pay P5 000, provide two Batswana sureties who will bind themselves with P2 500 each, report monthly to Mochudi Police Station and not interfere with the state witnesses.
The state prosecutor, Ms Seeletso Ookeditse, had vehemently opposed the accused person being granted bail, saying he had shown the propensity to commit crime.
Mojadigo is represented by Mr Samuel Plaatjie.
He is alleged to have on or about January 1 at or near Donga in Francistown, on or about January 8 at or near Morwa in the Kgatleng District, on or about January 27 at or near Donga and on or about May 5 at or near Morwa had unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under the age of 18.
He is also alleged to have on January 8 at or near Morwa had unlawful carnal knowledge of a woman contrary to the laws of Botswana. ENDS
Source : BOPA
Author : Bonang Masolotate
Location : GABORONE
Event : court
Date : 21 Jul 2024