Ogaufi Boalotswe (43) of Maun and Orapeleng Tshimane (37) of Salajwe were arrested on February 20 at Samedupi cattle post after being found in possession of copper cables.

When apply for the accused to be remanded in custody, State Prosecutor, Mr Mothusi citing ongoing investigations while Investigating Officer, Sergeant Kotomwa Mogomotsi submitted that five other suspects fled the scene during the arrest and were still being pursued.

He further stated that police had received between five and seven additional reports of copper theft, which they were investigating for possible links.

Sergeant Mogomotsi requested 14 days to complete investigations, adding that police were following information suggesting that the suspected stolen copper was being sold in Gaborone.

Furthermore, the officer submitted that releasing the accused persons on bail would put their lives in danger as the public was currently angry about the rising copper cable theft that has been affecting their daily routines.

When pleading for bail, one of the accused, Boalotswe said he had been tortured during detention and denied access to his medication.

Another accused, Tshimane also pleaded for bail, stating that he sustained a gunshot wound during arrest and required medical attention, including an X-ray.

“I have not received medical attention for my gunshot wound and have not bathed for the past seven days since my arrest and if we could get bail then we could seek medical attention,” he said.

In delivering her ruling, Magistrate Molefhi granted the state seven days’ and further remanded the accused.

She further ordered that the accused receive medical attention before their next court appearance

She however expressed displeasure that the accused had been detained beyond the constitutionally permitted 48 hours without being presented before court to be formally charged.

She said the court had to balance the liberty of the accused against the interests of justice and the need to protect the integrity of investigations.

She further noted that cable theft had severely disrupted communities and was becoming a public nuisance.

“Household utilities have been interrupted and power cuts disrupt daily life,” she said. ENDS