Lobatse top cop freed from jail

Sharon Mathala | Friday June 27, 2014 17:13

Chief Magistrate Cele Lebakeng jailed Ramabokwa recently after he walked out of her courtroom after a misunderstanding. Dismissing the case on Wednesday, Dingake explained that Ramabokwa’s arrest was unlawful and thus needed to be set aside. Earlier this month, Lebakeng is alleged to have ordered Ramabokwa to appear and explain why one of his officers was before the court without a proper uniform.

It is alleged that the two had a misunderstanding, prompting the Station Commander to walk out on the magistrate.

Lebakeng then ordered that Ramabokwa should be arrested and detained for alleged “disobedience of lawful orders”. After two nights in prison, Ramabokwa was summoned to appear before court.

His urgent application to have the case dismissed was held behind closed doors, before Dingake’s decision was announced.

In an interview on Thursday, the 54-year-old Station Commander described his stint in prison as “painful and unpleasant”. The 29-year police veteran said he was relieved after the dismissal of his case, but was considering his options.“The ball is now in my court and I am still deciding whether I should take legal action against the magistrate or not,” he said.