A habitual trouble-maker who crashed a car he stole has seen his freedom stalled after Broadhurst Magistrates Court sentenced him to seven years behind bars on Wednesday.
42-year-old Bajaki Koobusitse, who is no stranger to the inside of a prison cell, was made to pay for his checkered past as much as his bad driving and sticky fingers.
The Serowe native’s previous crashes with the law include: intimidation, housebreaking, theft, obtaining by false pretences, driving without a licence and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
Testifying in court, the complainant Nelson Makgetla, 60, revealed he left his Toyota Hilux at his sibling’s place in Mogoditshane on the evening of 16 February 2024.
The following morning, when he returned to collect the vehicle, it was nowhere to be found.
Makgetla said his niece, who was home alone at the time, informed him an unknown man had come to collect the car, claiming he had been authorised by Makgetla’s sibling, Lesole Makgetla, to do so.
However, in a phone call, Lesole, who was away at a funeral at the time, confirmed he had not given anyone permission to take the vehicle.
Makgetla immediately reported the matter to Mogoditshane Police, who alerted other police stations to assist in locating the missing vehicle.
Three days later, he received a call from a friend, informing him his car had been seen at Mr Fast and Shine Motors, a panel-beating workshop, after being involved in a serious accident.
“I informed Mogoditshane Police that the vehicle had been found in that condition. The police launched investigations which led to the arrest of the accused, Koobusitse. I instructed Mr Fast and Shine Motors to repair my car and paid P34, 380. I now plead with the court to order the accused to compensate me for the money I spent,” Makgetla stated, submitting receipts as evidence.
In response, a dismissive Koobusitse retorted, “I see the receipts, but I have a question for you, Makgetla. Looking at how steep the amount is, and considering how old your car is, how much would you sell it for? The company that fixed your car overcharged you. I don’t know how you expect to get that money from me because it’s too much. I would have taken it somewhere cheaper.”
Sticking to his gun’s Makgetla hit back that he would expect to sell his so-called ‘old banger’ for P60, 000.
Having admitted his guilt, Koobusitse begged for mercy, noting he has three children who depend on him and had also saved court’s time by admitting to the crime.
“A harsh sentence would negatively affect my farm workers and family,” he pressed.
However, his plea received the red light from Senior Magistrate, Tshepo Matale.
Emphasising the gravity of the offence, the Magistrate said motor vehicle theft is a significant violation and interferes with people’s lives.
She further observed that the accused left the vehicle extensively damaged, warranting compensation to the complainant.
“In the interest of society, offenders must be held accountable and the public must appreciate the seriousness with which such crimes are punished,” declared Matale.
She ruled that according to the law, given the accused’s prior convictions, he was liable to imprisonment of not less than seven years.
Court also ordered that Makgetla be compensated P34, 380 within three months, adding that failure to comply will result in the matter being pursued through civil proceedings.
Sentenced to seven years, Koobusitse was informed of his right to appeal to the High Court within 14 days should he be dissatisfied with the judgment.
