Suspected thief accuses cops of assault
A middle-aged man accused of shop breaking and stealing has hit back with accusations of his own, claiming he was given a good thrashing by the police officers who arrested him.
45-year-old Tutu Gabakgorwe is one of five men suspected to have broken into Balbir store in Molepolole on the night of Tuesday 15 June.
The thieves are said to have made away with water pumps, generators and camp chairs, worth a combined total value of P41, 725.
While Gabakgorwe’s co-accused remain on the run, his luck run out eight days later (June 23) when he was apprehended by the cops.
Indeed, the suspected thief insists his misfortune was in fact just starting.
Appearing before Molepolole Magistrates Court last week, Gabakgorwe informed the Magistrate he wants to open an assault case against the police.
“During my arrest, I was handcuffed by one police officer who at the same time assaulted me with his hands. I have evidence that I was beaten; my teeth are broken and I also have scratches on my neck. He also used a wooden stick to assault me,” claimed Gabakgorwe, speaking with a face mask which made it impossible to verify the state of his gnashers.
The suspect told court his teeth were so badly damaged he now struggles to chew food.
“I have requested to be taken to the hospital and the police refused. I can’t eat and I’m just surviving like that. I have long been incarcerated and pray that I be granted bail to see the doctor,” begged the melancholy Molepolole man.
Gabakgorwe was at least given reason to smile and bear his crooked teeth – albeit beneath his mask – as Magistrate Kefilwe Resheng duly set him free.
She further ordered he be taken to hospital and advised him to seek assistance from the Station Commander on how best to proceed with his assault allegations.
Bail was set at P3, 500, with two sureties required to sign for the same amount.
To keep the smile on his face and enjoy his freedom, the Masilwana ward native will first have to find the cash.