White man’s court appearance causes a stir

Christinah Motlhabane
SUSPECTS: Ferera with Mmeletsi

SOUTH AFRICAN AND TWO OTHERS ACCUSED OF CAR THEFT

The unusual sight of a white man arriving at court in handcuffs and under police escort caused much staring and whispering amongst onlookers, who were all eager to learn what crime the lekgowa had allegedly committed.

South African native, Andrew William Ferera and his countryman, Itumeleng Jeteroy Mmelesi, as well as Antonio Focheiro from Mozambique, are currently languishing in jail on suspicion of car theft.

The trio received further bad news when they appeared before Francistown Magistrates Court on Tuesday and learnt they could be facing another charge.

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“We might add another charge of a car allegedly stolen that was found at Gerald,” Prosecutor Bedu Mambo told court, much to the suspects’ dismay.

The three men are accused of stealing a white Isuzu truck estimated to be worth around P300, 000.

Acting on a tip-off, cops stopped and arrested the trio by Block 1 traffic lights along the A1 road in Francistown on Tuesday 22 October.

It is thought the accused were driving to Zimbabwe from South Africa when police intercepted them.

The men all work in South Africa. Ferara is a manager at Tshwarelo Motors, Mmelesi is self-employed while Focheiro is a mechanic at Chondos Motors.

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Their attorney, Martin Maiba pleaded for his clients to be granted bail and the court is waiting on the investigating officer to state if they are a flight risk or not.

They will appear again in court on the December 12.

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