PPP and co-accused gets a new lawyer
A case that has been hanging over former Tonota Member of Parliament Pono Moathodi since 2019 has been postponed once again and is now scheduled for trial in December.
Moathodi and his co-accused, Nnyana Kebitsang, who are accused of brutally beating a minor for stealing mangoes appeared before the Francistown Magistrate’s Court last Monday.
Their attorney, Tshekiso Tshekiso who was making his final court appearance in the matter before joining the High Court bench informed the court that the accused will now be represented by Kagiso Jani.
Tshekiso told court that both parties in the matter were ready for trial, with the state listing the availability of two witnesses.
“However, since today is my last appearance, we agreed it would be best for Mr. Jani to start the case afresh,” said Tshekiso.
The incoming High Court judge said they considered that creating a part-heard matter and waiting for a transcript of the record would only delay proceedings, hence their request for a postponement.
Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) representative, Prosecutor Moffat Dick, concurred with the defense, noting it would be best to set new trial dates.
Given the circumstances, the court rescheduled the trial to the 9th and 10th of December. The accused are expected to appear for confirmation of trial dates on the 14th of October.
Moathodi and Kebitsang are alleged to have assaulted an 11-year-old boy they caught stealing mangoes from their yard in Tonota in January 2019.
