Norwegian slapped with P65, 000 bail
Sharon Mathala | Thursday December 18, 2014 13:05
Bjorn Nodtvedet is facing a charge of indecent assault of a minor, allegedly committed last week. On the police charge sheet, it is alleged that on December 13, Nodtvedet indecently assaulted a minor at Gaborone Block 6.
Ruling on the bail application, Magistrate Lilian Madabane said she was satisfied that the accused was linked to the offence. She said that the prosecution has told the court that the accused was found in company of the complainant, and two others on the day he was arrested.
“He was found in the company of the three young girls, the complainant has since told the police that the accused person (Nodtvedet) fondled her breasts and touched her private parts,” she said.
Madabane noted that, “the investigating officer has indicated that their main concern is that he may flee to Norway, and that since Botswana has no bilateral ties with Norway, the prosecution’s case might be hindered.
The prosecutor, Lentlhabetse Willie, was adamant that the accused might never be seen again if he is released from police custody. He added that the residence permit for the accused expires on December 20.
However, Madabane was not convinced that the accused was a flight risk saying that the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt the he would flee.
“There is no reasonable suspicion, liberty is paramount and there is no indication that he would interfere with investigations. There is nothing that shows court that he would commit another crime,” she said.
Madabane concluded that Nodtvedet was a candidate for bail and therefore slapped him with a P65,000 bail condition.
The next mention date is on December 30 whilst investigations into the matter continue. The accused is represented by Richard Lyons.