Five men of Otse have been arraigned before chief magistrate Ms Rebecca Motsamai of the Lobatse Magistrates Court on charges of murder and causing grievous bodily harm.

The accused, Gosiamemang Kgabo (41) of Lesetlhana ward, Tomeletso Kwena (51) of Rukurung Lands, Gobuamang Kwena (42) of Rukurung Lands, Mothusi Matlhola (34) of Mantirisi ward and Daniel Pule (55) of Lesetlhana ward were arraigned in relation to the murder of Opelo Molebatsi on August 26 at Sakutswane Lands near Otse.

Additionally, the accused face a charge of causing unlawful grievous bodily harm to Mr Onkemetse Molebatsi still at Sakutswane Lands on the same date.

They allegedly assaulted Onkemetse all over the body, causing him multiple serious injuries, including head injuries and a fractured right leg. 

Investigating Officer (IO), Assistant Superintendent (ASP) Goitsemang Serurubele pleaded with the court to remand the five accused persons in custody as the matter was still at its initial stage, adding that the police were yet to record statements from all witnesses.

ASP Serurubele said Onkemetse was still in a critical condition in hospital.

The IO further told the court that the matter involved Botswana and South Africa where some suspects were and that investigators were yet to communicate with their South African counterparts.

Additionally, ASP Serurubele said the community was still aggrieved by the matter and that releasing the accused was therefore likely to cause a disruption to public peace. 

She said the matter was complex as it involved two countries, noting that at the time the incidents occurred, the accused persons were acting with the suspected South African nationals, with whom they share the membership of the Madisanaga Farmers Committee. 

She said the committee existed in Botswana and in South Africa and that in respect of the charges the accused were facing, some committee members from both sides of the border allegedly came together and followed their victims from South Africa to Sakutswane where they assaulted them.

The IO told the court that since the matter involved two countries, the police needed the intervention of Interpol to be able to arrest the suspects in South Africa. 

Prosecutor Ms Vanzoline Machikiche said as per the constitution, since the incident occurred in Botswana and partially in South Africa, Botswana assumes the jurisdiction to prosecute.

She further informed the court that preparations were underway to engage Interpol. 

The matter is scheduled for September 15 for status update. ENDS