Double murder by witchcraft?

Correspondent | Monday December 8, 2014 15:27

 

Magistrate Queen Latoya Moanga of Letlhakane is hearing the matter that started at her court on 27 November and continues this week.

The deceased duo and the accused are said to be close relatives and neighbours  at Makunjenaa cattle post where the killing by poisoning took place. It is alleged that on the fateful day, both  the deceased persons, who were children, went to the accused’s compound. As it is the norm, the children were welcomed with a cup of tea. But after drinking the tea, the children became ill within a short period of time and died.

It is suspected that what the children consumed  that day may  have had a poisonous substance in it. The suspect was then apprehended, charged and eventually had her day in court to face the charges levelled against her.

 Appearing in court, the suspect stood impassively in the dock while the charge was read out. The State charges that on 25 November this year, the suspect  allegedly killed Osego Radikhudu at Makunjenaa cattlepost in the Central District. On count two the state charges that  on the 25 November this year, the suspect allegedly murdered Atang Ramontsho at Makunjenaa cattle post in the Central District.

Prosecutor, Sergeant Boipelo Moreki, of Letlhakane police station told the court  that the  matter is still under investigation and those investigations are in their initial stage. She  went  on  to  say that because of the serious nature of the offence, the suspect should be remanded in custody. She said there is genuine fear that if not remanded in custody, the suspect was likely to hinder the police to investigations by interfering with potential witnesses.

The prosecutor also said that they fear  for  her  life because some of the prosecution witnesses are her relatives. The accused told the court that she would engage an attorney of her choice to represent her as she faces these charges. Her  plea  in both counts was reserved.

The suspect was first  arraigned on 27 November. However on the 3 December, she was her attorney,  Nleya, appeared on her behalf and he made an urgent application that his client be granted bail. 

However, the prosecutor Sergeant Boipelo Moreki of the Letlhakane police station was  quick  to object. She argued that as the prosecution team they do not belief that the suspect has a serious medical condition and if it is true, she will get help from Prisons Dept because  there  are medical facilities there. ‘’I did hear the attorney saying that the suspect is a farmer  who is taking care of her livestock; so we belief that the accused has relatives who can help and take care of her livestock in her absence,’’ said Moreki.

Investigating officer Detective Inspector Chakalisa Bothata who is also the deputy officer in charge, Letlhakane CID, objected to the bail application.

He said: “ We are dealing with a serious and complicated case and we need ample time to investigate, we have not collected the suspected poisonous substance that is alleged to have been used when committing the crime,’’

Finally, the accused person was further remanded in custody and the next date for mention is 15 December. At the time of going to print,  both the deceased children had  been laid to rest.