26 Feb 2014

The Village Magistrate Court has learnt that Thabo Masilo was suffering from excruciating tooth pain when he missed his regular mention on Monday, February 17.

Briefing the court on February 25, state prosecutor from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Mr Kutlo Tsekane said Masilo, who faced robbery and rape charges, had to be taken for medical attention.

He also faced rape and murder charges on a separate case. Confirmation of trial dates was thus made in his absence.  Court adjourned last November at the start of trial when a court interpreter suddenly took ill during proceedings.

The matter was rescheduled to May 26, 27, 28 and 30 this year. On Tuesday the court confirmed the trial dates as suitable. In the current matter, Masilo reportedly raped and violently robbed a woman in Gaborone West’s Phase IV location sometime in August 2012.

The stolen property included a Samsung cellphone, a sim card and a Nokia cellphone. Masilo caused grievous bodily harm to his victim during the process of robbing her.

Masilo, who was last year committed to the High Court to stand trial for the murder of a St. Joseph College female student two years ago, has been in custody since arrested for the murder.

His would appear again for mention on March 10. Chief Magistrate Linah Oahile-Mokibe is presiding. ENDS