17 Mar 2014

Sentencing for two robbery convicts, 28-year-old Godiraone Tshwenayana of Boswelakoko ward and 29-year-old Kago Ncheotsile of Ntloedibe ward in Molepolole has been postponed by Molepolole senior magistrate, Mr William Modise.

Ncheotsile who is not a first offender, told the court that he was not ready for the sentencing as he wanted his attorney to mitigate on his behalf.

He was previously charged with assault and use of insulting language in 2006 and was given five strokes of the cane on the buttocks.

“I am not ready for sentencing your worship because I came here knowing that I was appearing for mention not judgement. Even my attorney knows that I’m appearing on the 20th of March for judgement,” Ncheotsile told the court.

However, his co-accused, who the prosecution declared was a first offender, said he was ready.

In his mitigation, Tshwenyana who represented himself pleaded with court to be considerate when delivering sentence, saying that he is still young and intends to participate in government youth programmes because he is reformed.

He also prayed with the court that before it delivered its sentence, it should consider the date he was incarcerated, which is October 2012.

Senior magistrate Modise said, Ncheotsile has a right to call his counsel to mitigate on his behalf, as common law allows professional counsellors such as lawyers, pastors and social workers to mitigate on behalf of convicts.

“Common-law is not a written law but, allows those professionals to negotiate with the court on behalf of accused persons.

But it has to be someone who has a relationship with the convict, knows that accused person and had maybe provided counselling to them previously,” he explained.

The duo is charged with breaking and stealin goods worth P4 029 and P3 500 cash from Khan’s Cash and Carry shop at Lekgwapheng ward in Molepolole on October 19 ,  2012.

Accused persons are currently remanded in custody and sentencing is slated for   March  20, 2014. ENDS