Four robbery suspects accused of terrorising residents in Molepolole and surrounding areas this week painted a terrible picture of what could be going on behind the grey walls of prison.
The men facing multiple charges of robbery told court on Tuesday that physically assaulted them until they soiled their pants.
The quartet, Kenneth Methe, 31, Onkabetse Pusetso Khumoetsile, 31 both from Ntloolengwae ward; Kutlo Pako Ntsimako, 22 from Magokotswane ward, and Katso Kabelo Moswang, 22 from Broadhurst were arraigned before Molepolole.
According to the charge sheet, Methe, Khumoetsile and Ntsimako are accused of violently robbing John Kesaobaka on July 16th, 2025, in Malwelwe village.
The trio, allegedly acting in common purpose and armed with knives, made away with a sound system, a Mascom Wi-Fi router, a money box, P30,000 in cash, and a Toyota RAV4 with the total value of the stolen items estimated at P182,050.
In a separate incident, Methe, Ntsimako and Moswang are accused of robbing Wendy Boitumelo Kokorwe on July 31st, 2025, in Mogonono village. Still armed with knives, they allegedly stole a 60-inch Sky television set valued at P15,000 and made away with P100 in cash.
State Prosecutor Inspector Barulaganye Tiase pleaded with court to further remand the troublesome quartet, arguing that investigations were still fresh, and that the suspects were found in possession of other goods believed to proceeds of crime.
In his defence, suspect Methe denied any involvement in the purported crimes and pleaded to be granted bail.
“I have never been investigated for these matters. I request the police to take me to the scene. Nothing has been recovered from me,” he angrily.
A fuming Methe further pleaded for his freedom, and accused the police of torture and intimidation.
“We were physically abused, arrested unfairly, and forced to confess to crimes we know nothing about. We’ve been tortured and even soiled ourselves,” Methe said sending court into fits of muffled laughter.
Despite their efforts to gain freedom Magistrate Jonny Baakile informed them that their appearance was for a preliminary remand, as investigations were still in the early stages.
“After 14 days, when it is determined whether the accused are connected to the matters or not, bail can then be discussed. At this stage, there is a need for further investigations. Some goods have been recovered, and you claim not to have met the complainant this justifies the need for remand,” explained Magistrate Baakile.
He also informed Moswang of his right to sue the state if he believed he was wrongfully brought before the court.
The four were reportedly arrested after police received a tip-off that they were travelling in a Honda Fit from Moshupa to Molepolole with the intent to commit further crimes.
Upon intercepting the vehicle at night, officers conducted a search and discovered stolen property linked to other recently reported cases.
It was then established that the suspects were wanted for multiple crimes in Molepolole, Thamaga, and Moshupa.
The accused are scheduled to return to court for mention on August 25th, 2025.
