11 Sep 2026

Three men accused of robbing Chinese nationals of cash and valuables worth P460,600 have been granted bail by Maun Magistrates Court as investigations into the alleged robbery continue.

Chief Magistrate Reuben Sebetela on Tuesday granted bail to Donald Zibanda, 42, Lyghton Nembaware, 30, and Bonnie Secha, 42.

The court heard through 

investigation officer that investigations were still ongoing, with some exhibits already sent for forensic analysis including blood samples obtained from the accused persons.

“We do not oppose bail as our investigations are progressing under certain conditions,” said investigating officer. 

The three are accused of acting together with two other suspects on June 5 at around 1900 hours in attacking Chinese national Lin Ke and two other Chinese citizens at a residential place in Maun.

According to the charge sheet, the accused were armed with a machete and allegedly tied the three complainants with cable ties before demanding cash and other valuables.

The complainants were allegedly robbed of P375,800 in cash, a Chinese bank card, and several electronic devices, including an iPhone 14, an iPhone 14 pro, 2 Huawei Mate 30 pro, Vivo x200 pro, hard disk, IFLYTEK pad and Huawei GT Watch,.

When granting bail, Chief Magistrate Sebetela ordered each accused to bind himself with P2,000 and provide two sureties who will each bind themselves for P2,000.

“The accused persons are further ordered to report to Maun Police Station once a month and provide their physical residential addresses, where they will reside until the conclusion of the trial,” he said.

Zibanda and Nembaware were also ordered to surrender their travelling documents. 

Meanwhile, court heard that fourth accused, Freddy Lephojane was already out on bail, while a fifth suspect remained at large.

The prosecution indicated that investigations were continuing, with the outstanding forensic analysis forming part of the ongoing process. 

The matter has been postponed to November 12 for status hearing. ENDS