Following last month’s incidents in which two Molepolole men were abducted and assaulted in an apparent mob justice, the court granted bail to suspects in the first two groups and also remanded another batch involving a woman and four men.
Just a week after granting bail to fifteen suspects, Molepolole Principal Magistrate Solomon Setshedi, last Friday remanded in custody 52-year-old Daisy Kgosimotho of Lekgwapheng ward, Mokao Motsiane, 48, from Bokaa ward, Keemenao Ntshonyane, 42, from Khunou ward, Dikabo Mophuting, 66, of Newtown ward and Simon Ramotswa aged 49 of Difetlhamolelo ward all in Molepolole.
The five accused, each charged with abduction, are said to have between May 27th, 2023 and 29th, May 2023 at Masuaditshwene ward in Molepolole acting jointly with common purpose abducted Kesaobaka Romeo Thebolo with the intention to subject him to bodily harm and did assault him causing him to sustain injuries on both legs and the genital area.
Three of the suspects on the day on the incident reportedly arrived at Thebolo’s place wearing reflective jackets claiming he was wanted at the police station for stock theft cases.
They allegedly took him to the bush where they assaulted him with a baton under the foot, hit him with axe handle and a metal rod and pulling his private parts.
The prosecutor, Inspector Thema Marumolo, during arraignment told the court that the investigations were still ongoing and that other suspects were yet to be arrested.
“I make an application for the accused to be remanded in custody considering the condition of the victim. He was hospitalised and later discharged and still attending medical check -ups. Though he is home we cannot say he is stable till the doctor issues a medical report,” explained the concerned Marumolo.
When pleading with the court to grant them bail, the suspects said they were caring for their families and livestock.
The concerned Principal Magistrate Setshedi turned down the bail application noting that it was the third offence of its nature brought before court within a period of a week and that it was a wakeup call for the court to protect the citizens and residents of this country.
“I concur with the public prosecutor, Inspector Marumolo, that the police must be afforded more time to investigate without the accused interference. The accused persons are therefore remanded in custody pending police investigations. You’re remanded until 26 June when you will be brought for mention,” concluded Principal Magistrate Setshedi.
