Senior magistrate hauled over the coals

Bame Piet | Thursday March 20, 2014 12:10

 

A source revealed to Mmegi that the Gantsi-based Malambane was served with a letter recently summoning him to a disciplinary hearing in at the Chief Justice’s office in Gaborone.   The Magistrate’s alleged crime was granting bail to two murder accused persons – Tshiamo Kalalelo and Mmika Mpe.

The duo allegedly robbed and killed Johanna Reinnete Vorster on February 2 at her farm in Gantsi District, before setting her vehicle alight. They were arrested a few days after the murder.  The two were granted bail less than 14 days after the alleged murder despite an argument by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions team that they were likely to interfere with investigations

Apparently some people approached the Office of the President to communicate their displeasure with the conduct of the magistrate. Yesterday Malambane refused to be drawn into discussing the issue. 

“I can neither confirm nor deny that I have been served with a summons to show cause why I cannot be dismissed from the public service.

I can’t comment on the matter now because it still has to be resolved,” he said.

Government spokesperson Dr Jeff Ramsay who is on leave abroad said in a telephone interview that he was not aware of any complaint regarding the Vorster murder, stating that the matter should be handled by the Administration of Justice.

“As far as I know, the Office of the President does not interfere in judicial matters, therefore the judiciary would be best placed to answer your questions,” said Ramsay.

Efforts to get a comment from spokesperson of the Administration of Justice Clement Sibanda were futile at the time of going to press last night.