27 Jul 2026

Multiple stock theft charges suspect has threatened one of the  victims in the at Mogoditshane Court gallery on Thursday, moments after pleading for bail in five separate cases.

During a court recess, Botshelo Botlhoko allegedly told an elderly man seated in the public gallery: “Ke go fositse maloba, ga kena go go lesa gape”. translating to mean ‘Next time around i wont miss, I will get you this time.’

Opposing bail, Detective Sub Inspector Thomas Molebatsi of Mogoditshane Anti-Stock Theft Unit told Chief Magistrate Gofaone Morweng that Botlhoko was not a suitable candidate for release, citing the seriousness of the charges and concerns for public safety.

Molebatsi said no stock theft cases had been reported in the Tloaneng and Gabane areas since Botlhoko’s arrest in June.

The court heard that in the latest case, police recovered 15 knives from a vehicle they had been monitoring.

According to Molebatsi, suspects initially abandoned the vehicle after being cornered by police before returning to it several days later, allowing investigators to install a tracking device that eventually led to Botlhoko’s arrest at Turn Rite Mall.

He further said suspects used vehicles not registered in their names to commit offences. In one incident, Botlhoko allegedly abandoned a Volvo motor vehicle while evading arrest, and investigations later established that the vehicle was not registered in his name.

Molebatsi also told court that Botlhoko and his accomplices allegedly used weapons to assault farmers during the commission of stock theft offences.

He added that the accused had been denied bail in another stock theft matter by a different court earlier the same day.

In his bail application, Botlhoko told the court that he would comply with any conditions imposed if granted bail. He also requested the release of the vehicle involved in the matter, saying it belonged to a car rental company. Chief Magistrate Morweng reserved judgment on the bail application until August 6. ENDS