A late night drive after a booze-filled drinking session ended in death for one passenger and a murder charge for another, 27-year-old mother-of-two, Agnes Richard.
The Francistown woman is accused of causing a horrific crash just before Tati Siding along the A1 road, which led to the death of 27-year-old Molwantwa Podile.
Richard allegedly grabbed the steering wheel whilst her boyfriend was driving, causing him to lose control of the car, which veered off the road and crashed into a truck parked on the roadside.
The accident happened in the late evening of Sunday 11 October and, although he was rushed to hospital, Podile succumbed to his injuries 18 days later (29 October).
The driver and two other passengers – including Richard – all sustained minor injuries and were discharged from hospital on the day of the crash.
Richard, who resides in Ghetto’s Colored location, was arraigned before Francistown Magistrate Court on Monday.
Seeking the suspect’s remand, the Prosecutor, Sub Inspector, Cecilia Nchochi told court investigations were at the initial stage.
“The accused was arrested on Saturday so we pray she be remanded until the completion of investigations. We did not bring the Investigating Officer as he is at Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital for postmortem but we promise to bring him on the next mention to update on the case.”
When the Magistrate asked Richard if she had anything to say, the accused murderer proclaimed her innocence, insisting she did not cause Podile’s death.
She added there were four people in the car and had been about to say more when the Magistrate interrupted her and explained this was information to be disclosed at a later stage.
“For now you were supposed to answer on the issue of bail. On what happened, you will disclose at the High Court during trial,” stressed presiding Magistrate, Game Mooketsi.
The accused then duly requested bail, noting she has two young children – aged four and eight – who have no one else but her.
“I am a single mum; I am their mother and father!” she stated.
Richard’s impassioned plea failed to move the Magistrate, however, and her bail attempt was unsuccessful.
“When considering the nature of the offence and balancing the interest of the deceased and the society and that the deceased died two days back, you will be remanded so the state finish their investigations,” closed Magistrate Mooketsi.
The accused will be back in court on 17 November.
