Although their dreadlocked hairstyles hint at a peaceful nature, two cousins are accused of descending into violence last Friday evening, allegedly hurling stones at an on-duty police officer.
The trouble was reportedly sparked by the wannabe Rastafarians, Kagiso Kebaboletse, 30, and Keletso Kebaboletse, 28, harassing the occupants of a yard in Mabesekwa’s Tshukutshwane ward.
The cops were called, arriving at the scene on foot shortly after 8pm when they found the cousins leaving.
It seems the relatives refused to go without a fight, allegedly launching a barrage of rocks and pebbles at the two officers.
One of the missiles hit Constable, Osenotse Thabano Boy Boy, striking him flush in the head.
During the commotion, Boy’s colleague is said to have fled, running for reinforcements as fast as his legs could carry him.
Returning with back-up, driving a Toyota Hilux belonging to another officer, the police again found themselves in the firing-line, their windscreen getting smashed by a stone.
Forced to retreat once again, this time they called for help from their comrades in nearby Tonota.
Faced with a reinforced cavalry, the Kebaboletse cousins finally gave in and ended their resistance.
The injured officer was taken to the clinic, where he was treated and discharged the same night.
Arraigned before Francistown Magistrates Court this week, the duo were hit with three charges: assaulting a police officer executing his duty, malicious damage to property and resisting arrest.
Pleading not guilty to all counts, the pair revealed they plan to conduct their own defence and would not be seeking a lawyer.
Securing the suspects remand, Prosecutor, Paphidzo Kuda promised court the state would wrap up their investigations soon.
“We are waiting for the medical forms. We plead that the accused persons be locked up as they are staying in the same location with the complainant in this matter,” said Kuda.
Denied bail, as well as kissing goodbye to their liberty, the cousins will lose their dreads to the prison hairdresser’s clippers. The duo are due back in court on 11 November.
