Murder bail condition set aside

Portia Mlilo
ACCUSED: The suspects outside court

Acting Village Chief Magistrate Batho Kgerethwa this week set aside a condition of murder accused persons reporting themselves at a police station.

It is alleged that on the 30th of September 2017, Kagiso Basupi 32, Mosimanegape Raditlhomeso 25, Montisetse Somo 26, Lehika Raditlhomeso 34, Babusi Raditlhomeso 33, Neiso Seeletso 25 and David, 30, acting jointly together in concert murdered Onalenna Wesley Moreeng.

The incident is said to have occurred at Phase 4 in Gaborone.

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At first suspected partners in crime were charged with grievous bodily harm, a charge, which was later, upgraded to murder after the victim died.

Allegations are that they attacked Moreeng under suspecions that to he had stolen a cellphone and he died from the wounds they caused.

One of the bail conditions for the seven was that they report themselves at Gaborone West fortnightly.

Appearing for mention this week, the accused persons said during the time of arrest, they were staying in Gaborone but now they have relocated.

They said they were detained for longer time during the police investigations and they lost their jobs hence relocating back to their home villages.

The accused also told court to consider not setting nearest date for their next mention as they are not working and do not have money for to travel.

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One of the accused persons Lehika Raditlhomeso said last October, prosecution told court the investigations will be complete by February this year and they are yet to hear for the Investigating Officer.

Raditlhomeso said this shows that prosecution is not ready to continue with trial and asked Magistrate to withdraw the charges until they are ready.

State Prosecutor Inspector Alexander Phale told court that their investigations are complete and the matter is now handled by the DPP.

He said murder is a serious offence and as police officers, they do not have powers to withdraw the case and it can only be done by the DPP Director.

However, Phale did not oppose the accused’s application of setting aside the condition of reporting themselves to a police station, provided they come to court when required to do so.

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Magistrate Kgerethwa advised the prosecution to put their house in order so that the matter can be committed to the High Court as it has been dragging for so long.

She ordered that the accused persons no longer report themselves to the Station Commanders but emphasised that the other bail conditions still stand.

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