Past theatrics dash suspected armed robbers’ bail hopes
Two of the three men believed to be behind a daring armed robbery in Tlokweng four years ago have been further remanded in custody by an Extension II Magistrates Court.
Botsi Kefitile, 40; Goitseone Molosiwa, 32; and Edwin Farai, 45, who is remanded in Francistown in connection with a different matter and did not attend the mention, are accused of raiding Trans Africa Cash and Carry Wholesale on 31 March 2022.
The trio are said to have stormed the premises in Masetlheng Ward, threatening employees with a shotgun before making away with P22,843.
They did not get to enjoy their ill-gotten gains for long, as all three were arrested the very next day!
Initially granted bail, they have since seen their liberty taken away due to various misdemeanours.
Kefitile, a feared former convict who previously spent 11 years behind bars, was back in the headlines earlier this year for pulling an okapi knife on Magistrate Kamogelo Mmesi in court.
Despite his less than squeaky-clean past, the Molepolole man maintained his innocence and insisted he should be set free, noting being locked up for something he didn’t do was affecting him mentally.
“I have statements proving my innocence,” he added, before scolding the state for continuously failing to avail the third suspect and thus delaying the case.
It was this frustration that landed Kefitile in trouble the first time, causing him to brandish a knife in court and shout, “Just take away my bail!” – a wish that was quickly granted.
Kefitile also told the court his dogs had eaten his chickens, as no one was looking after them in his absence.
The dogs will have to do without their master for a little longer, however.
Presiding over proceedings, Magistrate Mmesi pointed out that the accused’s previous theatrics counted against him.
“You pose a danger to me and my staff, so I cannot grant you bail,” ruled Mmesi.
Similarly, Molosiwa’s record proved his undoing, as it was revealed he recently leapt through a courtroom window to escape custody, only to be recaptured in Old Naledi.
Remanded in custody, the pair are back in court on 8 June to confirm trial dates, which have been tentatively pencilled in for 19 June.
