Giving evidence before the court on Monday, investigating officer on the case testified that Wright was arraigned in 2022 and later failed to appear before court for a case management conference scheduled for January 2023, prompting the issuance of a warrant of arrest.

“Attempts to locate the accused at his residence and at his girlfriend’s place were unsuccessful and the accused remained untraceable for two years before he was arrested in 2025 and remanded in custody,” he said.

The investigating officer opposed bail, arguing that the accused was not a suitable candidate as he had previously failed to attend court, thereby delaying the completion of the case.

In response, Wright denied absconding, saying he had merely arrived in court late for the January 2023 appearance and found that his matter had already been called.

He pleaded with the court to release him on bail, saying he was responsible for the upkeep of his children and suffered from a medical condition that was not being adequately attended to in prison.

“The time that I have already spent in prison has taught me a lot and so I am asking for my bail application to be granted,” he said.

In her ruling, Magistrate Gofaone Mosweu said the accused had previously taken an oath when he was admitted to bail but had failed to uphold the conditions attached to his release.

She said it was the responsibility of the accused to keep track of his court appearances and ensure compliance with his bail conditions, consequently, she denied the accused bail and remanded him in custody.

The matter is set for hearing on July 7. ENDS