�Mentally unstable� murder accused ordered to testify
Mpho Mokwape | Wednesday July 16, 2014 11:58
Yesterday Dibotelo ordered the investigating officer to locate Matthews Moanei to stand trial and threatened to cancel his bail application and issue a warrant of arrest if he doesn’t avail himself.
Moanei is alleged to have together with Francis Moanei and Kabelo Riordan murdered a Zimbabwean man in 2000 following a bar fight over a girl. The trio were supposed to appear in court yesterday for the continuation of the trial which has dragged on for 14 years.
The state attorney Matlhogonolo Phutego had indicated that they were ready to proceed with the trial. He told court that Moanei was reportedly mentally unwell, adding that it was the defense’s responsibility to ensure the accused is in court.
Dibotelo, however, told court that he cannot proceed with the trial unless there is a separation of trial about the accused’s whereabouts, carried out at the court’s discretion.
“The accused will have to be brought to court for this trial and it is the duty of the Directorate of Public Prosecution to ensure that all the accused are present in court,” said Dibotelo.
The case was reportedly held up because of the resignation of the judge who was preceding over the matter and the investigating officer’s death. The case continues today.