Eight In Court For Rumour Mongering

Boniface Keakabetse | Monday February 10, 2014 16:07

The magistrate ruled that the case resume in June amidst complaints from the accused who claim they only ran to Moenga’s house to help.

The case reopened the sensitivities surrounding the November 15, 2011 revolts between residents and police at Moenga’s yard after rumours had spread that Moenga had turned in to snake from the waist down. When the case appeared for case management on Friday, one well known angry Maun resident could be heard outside the court saying the case must not continue stating that he would request President Ian Khama to intervene and stop it.

Karabo Pheto, Nakisani Mogotsi, Bogosi Lebone Mogotsi, Patrick Morolong, Edward Selani, Khotso Cyril Sebeko, Omponye Mokaise and Sakaumba John Sakaumba John are facing a single count of unlawful assembly with intent to commit offence.

The charge sheet says the police told the crowd to disperse but to no avail, forcing the police to use force.

Attorney Luanda Antonio who represents one of the accused, Khotso Cyril Sebeko made a request for the court to consider reconciliation and not proceed with the matter for trial. Antonio also argued that reconciliation would be in the interest of Moenga, the woman who was accused of turning in to a snake. He said the case has reignited interest and curiosity about the snake woman rumour.

Another accused Sakaumba John Sakaumba caused drama when he said he was tricked into making a statement as the police told him the statement was to be used for disciplinary action by top police officials on the entire police officials who beat them for assembly at the yard. However,  magistrate Taolo told Sakaumba to raise these issues during the trial.

Prosecutor Patrick Fani, told the court that their contention was that the case continue as they have not considered reconciliation nor has the defence engaged them on it.  Magistrate Taolo advised  the  parties to engage with each other outside the court on the issue of reconciliation.

A stalemate also ensued after the defence team and the state disagreed on the acceptance of statements. Taolo however ruled that the case will continue for trial in June despite the stalemate because some of the accused persons are self represented.