There was a distinct feeling of déjà vu at Francistown Magistrates Court on Tuesday as the long-running case involving Pono ‘PPP’ Moatlhodi was delayed once again.
The former Tonota Member of Parliament (MP) has been in and out of court since January 2019, when he and two others, Maranyane Kebitsang and Nnyana Kebitsang were charged with assaulting an 11-year-old boy.
It is alleged they caught the child stealing mangos from their yard, subjecting him to a severe thrashing for his sticky fingers.
The trio are also said to have tied the youngster to a tree and set their dog on him, causing puncture wounds and bruises to his face and body.
Approaching seven years later, in which time one of the suspect’s, Maranyane has since passed away, the matter continues to drag on.
The trial dates were initially set for 9 and 10 December, only for court to dismiss these dates as ‘unsuitable’.
The concerned parties will return to court on 12 February to set new trial dates.
Both Moatlhodi, who is the former Deputy Speaker, and Nnyana have pleaded not-guilty to the charge.
The duo are now represented by Kagiso Jani as their previous attorney, Tshekiso Tshekiso was made a judge at Francistown High Court.
