03 Mar 2014

The Molepolole Magistrate Court has refused to grant bail to 25 year-old Keorapetse Kokole of Lentsweletau after hearing of his violent behavior from family members.

Kokole is charged with unlawfully wounding one Mpho Molotima with a knife on the chest on February 1 at Letlapeng lands. Molotima is said to have been admitted on critical conditions at the local hospital.

Investigating officer, Constable Disang Gasethebe told court that Kokole should be denied bail because his relatives feared for their security when he was around.

Constable Gasethebe emphasised that during his investigations he learned that Kokole had a habit of harassing and assaulting his relatives including his mother. When called in court the accused’s mother, said his son was a very aggressive and troublesome character.

“We are not in good terms with Keorapetse. I have tried so hard and for so long to mould this last born of mine but he is very difficult,” she said.

The accused’s mother said when he was around there was no peace at home. “I am always afraid, sometimes I don’t even sleep at home because of him, he beats me up and chases me out of my home,” said the old woman.

She said the accused was fond of swearing and hurling insults every day . The mother revealed that her son always fought and refused to let other family members used property at home emphasising that they belong to his father and should be used by him only.

“There is no peace at home because of this boy.” For his part, the accused said his family does not handle his father’s property with care.

Although the accused denied beating his siblings and his mother, he said as a family they argue a lot because they have different fathers and he wants to protect his father’s belongings. However the accused said he was disappointed by his mother whose role he had thought was to reconcile the family.

Principal Magistrate Bhekimpilo Sibanda ruled that the accused should be remanded in custody until the trial ends. He said the accused’s violence as alluded to by the mother was indicative that he was a source of conflict in the family.

“Why would she say all these when she is your mother, it becomes clear about your behavior since we are getting it from the horse’s mouth. If the family disowns you, you shall therefore be remanded until your trial is finalised,” said Mr Sibanda.

He further emphasised it to the accused that his mother was the ultimate beneficiary for his husband’s property and the accused does not have a word or authority over them.

Moreover he advised the accused to work hard and accumulate his own riches rather than dwelling on the idea that he has inheritance.

He went on to say that the accused will get to learn real life as it is, because his mates in prison will guide and teach him the right way to behave and think.

The case continues on March  6, 2014. ENDS