Having spent three weeks locked up in prison, Mmankgodi South Councillor, Baliki Tiro can once again enjoy the home comforts of his own bed after being granted bail by Molepolole Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
The 55-year-old Botswana Congress Party (BCP) member has been slumming it in the slammer ever since his arrest on 14 July on suspicion of stock theft.
Acting on a tip-off, the cops raided Tiro’s home, where they allegedly found the meat of almost four cows stored in a cold room on the premises.
Reportedly unsatisfied with the councillor’s explanation of how he obtained the meat, the police detained both Tiro and his nephew, Oteng Tiro, 35.
Two days later, they arrested a third man, 35-year-old Goabaone Ramausi, in connection with the supposedly dodgy meat.
While Oteng was given bail by Lobatse High Court after a week, both Tiro and Ramausi were initially unsuccessful in their attempts at freedom.
Their luck changed this week, however, when Prosecutor, Ogone Motsholathebe told court the police have no problem with the duo also being released on bail – even though they are hunting a further two suspects in the matter.
“Investigations are still ongoing as we’re still to arrest two more suspects. I don’t object bail set on conditions that, each accused bind himself with the sum of P1, 000, provide two sureties to the same sum and not to be suspected of a similar offence," said Sub Inspector Motsholathebe.
Smiling as they left court, no doubt looking forward to a warm bath and a good night’s sleep, the trio’s next mention is set for 27 October.
Unless they break their bail conditions, they will now await trial on the outside.
