Bail Ruling set for July 13 in Molepolole Poisoning Case
17 Jun 2026
Chief Magistrate Thebeetsile Molalu will deliver a bail ruling on July 13 for Gaokgakala Toteng and Rosinah Banoge who are accused of murdering Molepolole man Kagiso Lesetedi through alleged poisoning.
The duo, jointly charged with Lesetedi’s murder, appeared before Molalu on Tuesday for the continuation of their renewed bail application.
The prosecution called three witnesses, including a family member and the investigating officer, to oppose bail.
Investigating officer Detective Lerentshitse Otimile urged the court to remand both accused persons in custody until the matter is committed to the High Court. She said investigations showed the murder was allegedly planned and premeditated.
Otimile testified that Banoge obtained formalin from the mortuary and gave it to Toteng, who allegedly administered it to Lesetedi through food. Banoge later accompanied investigators to the mortuary and pointed out a 20-litre bucket containing the substance used in the poisoning.
Otimile said investigations are ongoing as police await laboratory and pathology results. She argued the accused could interfere with witnesses if released, since some are Banoge’s colleagues. She also urged the court to consider public interest, noting large numbers of people attend proceedings.
The prosecution argued no special circumstances existed and that new evidence had strengthened the case against the accused.
Keolebogile Ketshogile, Lesetedi’s cousin and an employee of MNK Funeral Parlour, testified that Banoge approached her after the death and asked for forgiveness. Banoge allegedly said Toteng had sent her to buy jackal poison from Agrifeed, but she failed to find it.
Ketshogile said she went to Smart Funeral Parlour on January 23, a day after Lesetedi died, to inquire about his death and view the body. She strongly opposed bail, telling the court the accused planned the murder and she feared for her safety.
Under cross-examination, Ketshogile denied interfering with investigations. She said she had a right as family to seek answers and report information to police. She maintained Banoge told her Toteng was responsible and was expressing regret.
Mercy Teko, an admin officer at Smart Funeral Parlour and Banoge’s colleague, testified that on January 24 she viewed the body with Ketshogile and Banoge. Teko said Banoge then told her that she regretted Lesetedi’s death and that Toteng had obtained the poison in Kanye. This was before police were informed.
Teko said she had no opinion on bail.
The defence had argued that circumstances had changed since bail was denied on April 21, adding that public anger surrounding the matter had subsided and safety concerns were no longer justified.
Meanwhile Toteng and Banoge remain in custody pending the July 13 ruling. ENDS
Source : BOPA
Author : Lindi Morwaeng
Location : Molepolole
Event : Bail hearing
Date : 17 Jun 2026
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