Lehupu remains in police custody
Sharon Mathala | Wednesday May 21, 2014 11:08
“We are still awaiting the post-mortem results. We have been assured that they will be ready soon, so that the case can continue,” said Inspector Lorato Kenadijo for the prosecution. Kenadijo also submitted that Lehupu should be remanded in prison pending the investigation, which Sibanda concurred with and postponed the matter to June 3. Lehupu allegedly axed his aunt and grandfather, and burnt his grandmother and niece at the remote village of Ratshere, near Molepolole. Lehupu is facing 10 charges including those of murder and attempted murder. The deceased family members were buried recently.
Meanwhile, the Botswana Police Service (BPS) has denied allegations made by the father to the murder-accused, Ontebetse Mokaikai that prior to the massacre, he had reported to the police in Molepolole that Lehupu had assaulted him.
He alleged that he had reported his son to the police on April 30, 2014. However, Officer Commanding District 11, senior superintendent, Kevin Mookodi, denied Mokaikai’s claims yesterday. Mookodi denied other allegations that some of his subordinates are suspended from duty for negligence.
He responded: “None of my officers are suspended because they did not sleep on duty.” Mookodi told Mmegi that contrary to the father’s claims, there is no record that there was any report made to the police to arrest Lehupu.
“There is no report that was made against Lehupu before the incident. We have no record of such a case.
If there was such a report we could have arrested Lehupu as and when he was accused,” he said.