Lehupu denied bail
Sharon Mathala | Thursday September 4, 2014 16:11
The 22-year-old Aobakwe Lehupu appeared before the court yesterday as he awaits trial for four counts of murder, two counts of arson; two counts of attempted murder as well as two counts of threat to kill.
Lehupu is alleged to have killed four of his family members in Ratsheru lands, about 50kms from Molepolole.
It is also alleged that he torched a hut in which his grandmother and niece were, burning them to death before hacking his aunt and grandfather.
“The accused person has been considered not a good candidate for bail, I have considered all aspects, I will avail my reasons at a later date,” Justice Sechele said.
Previously in opposing the bail application, prosecutor from the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Kutlo Tsekane submitted to the court their fear that Lehupu would be a major flight risk if released on bail.
“The prosecution intends to oppose bail made by the accused person primarily on the grounds that he is a flight risk, as he will not have a settled place to abode should he be granted bail,” he said.
“ It would be cumbersome to locate the accused person, as his family also rejects him as all the gruesome acts he is alleged to have committed were perpetrated against his family by himself,” he said.
Tsekane further submitted to the court that it would not be fair for the court to grant the accused bail, since that would mean Lehupu would have to return to the society against which he is alleged to have committed the said crimes.
He added that the remaining family members live in fear of the accused.
“There is also genuine fear that once granted bail Lehupu would stop at nothing to continue with his nefarious design, as he has threatened to kill two more of his relatives,” he said. The state lawyer also submitted that; “the evidence against the accused person is of compelling nature and they carry a maximum sentence of the death penalty, if granted bail there is great fear that he would flee and would not be available for his trial”.
For his part, Lehupu submitted to the court that he has good relations with his family, as they seem not to hold any grudge against him.
“I have met some of my relatives when appearing before court, they do not seem to hold any grudge against me. They talk and ask how I am doing,” he said.