02 Mar 2014

Molepolole principal magistrate, Mr Bhekimpilo Sibanda recently granted murder accused, Thato Basejane of Legonono ward in Molepolole, a conditional bail.

The prosecutor, Mr Jeffrey Serebolo of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions did not object to the bail application. Mr Serebolo said he did not oppose the bail because Basejane had been remanded in custody for a year, and that the state committal documents were not ready. He added that investigations were also still ongoing.

Mr Sibanda granted Basejane bail on condition that he will provide two sureties each to pay P5 000 to ensure regular attendance to set mention dates. He would also report at the Molepolole Police Station once every two weeks, and not to be involved in or commit a similar offence.

It is alleged that Basejane killed Mr Mmakeng Kegopotswe during a fight over a cigarette. 

Meanwhile, two accused persons, Nkuke Gaboitsewe, 36, and her sister Tidimalo Gaboitsewe, 32, of Kgosietsile ward were acquitted after their father, Mr Ontlhophile Sethomo withdrew a threat to kill charge before court against them.

The duo were both represented by Mr Mogakolodi Segwagwa of Ngomme Segwagwa Attorneys. They appeared before Molepolole senior magistrate, Mr William Modise. When delivering judgement, Mr Modise advised the accused persons to be careful, adding that they were fortunate for the case to be withdrawn.

Mr Modise urged Nkuke and Tidimalo to always consult elders in the family when they had problems. He said the duty of aunts and uncles was not only to negotiate marriages, but also to intervene in family conflicts.

“The prosecution has withdrawn this case with prejudice,” Senior Magistrate Modise concluded. ENDS