A man who allegedly stabbed his ex-lover to death and set her new boyfriend’s house on fire is expected back at Maun Magistrates court on January 26th.
It is alleged that Philip Amos (31) from Khwai village murdered his ex-girlfriend, Phemelo Lekgoa, who is also the mother of his children on January 10th, 2021.
Applying for the accused to be denied bail the stand in Investigating Officer (IO), Andrew Thoki Koitsiwe, said investigations were still at preliminary stages and that some witnesses have not been interviewed.
“The accused person and the deceased reside in the same neighborhood, they also come from Khwai village. It would not be in the interest of society for him to be seen roaming around before the bereaved family completes their burial arrangements,” explained Koitsewe.
“The accused attacked the deceased at her boyfriend’s place and managed to escape. The motive of the attack is only known to him and we fear that if granted bail he may proceed and attack the deceased’s boyfriend,’’ added Koitsewe.
Adding on Koitsewe’s application, state prosecutor, Inspector Paul Basupi, highlighted that granting Amos bail could also endanger him as the family of the deceased could avenge the death of their daughter.
When responding to the prosecution’s allegations, Amos told the court that he was not a flight risk and that he deserved to be granted bail. “I’m staying with my children, my younger sister and my brother who is disabled ever since he was attacked by a hippo. They solely depend on me and my mother is also very ill,” pleaded Amos.
The murder incident allegedly took place at Lekgoa’s new boyfriend’s place.
It is said that earlier on the day, Amos called the deceased informing her that he would be taking their children to Kwhai.
Lekgoa is said to have then went to her boyfriend’s house to spend the night and whilst sleeping Amos arrived and knocked aggressively demanding for the door to be opened as he wanted to have a man-to-man conversation with Oduetse Rachata, the deceased’s new boyfriend.
It is said that when Rachata opened the door, an infuriated Amos went inside.
Rachata is said to have then gone outside the house and locked the door, leaving the deceased with the accused inside as he went to seek for help from the neighbours.
When he returned, he heard the deceased screaming for help inside the house.
It is alleged that Amos torched the house before proceeding to stab the deceased with a knife.
According to the prosecution, the arson charges are yet to be added to the charge sheet.
Amos will be remanded in custody and will appear again in court on the 26th January for status report.
