Soldier arraigned for threat to kill

Mpho Mokwape | Thursday May 7, 2015 15:40

The 25-year-old Eric Ditshwane Mokgowa based at Glen Valley BDF camp appeared before Magistrate Abigail Masawi where his plea was reserved pending further investigations.

Mokgowa is accused of threatening to kill the mother of his child, Kutlwano Letsebe by saying “I will kill you” on April 26 at Botshabelo ward in Tlokweng. If charged and found guilty he faces a jail term of up to seven years. When appearing before Magistrate Masawi, he had indicated that he had nothing to say when asked to do so, as it was his first arraignment since the matter was reported to the police.

Masawi told him to pay P1,000for his bail, produce one surety to pay P1,000 also, not to interfere with ongoing investigations and was to stay far away from the complainant until investigations are completed. Earlier on investigating officer, Inspector Joseph Kehakae of Tlokweng police station asked the magistrate to give them time adding that the matter was still fresh and investigations still ongoing.

“We are still investigating the matter and we are not opposing bail,” he said.

Meanwhile in another case still before magistrate Masawi, a 40-year-old Zimbabwean man was also arraigned on possession of two big solar panels concealed inside two wooden doorframes.

The suspect, John Ishmael Banhire was arrested on May 2, 2015 at Selokwana ward in Tlokweng after he was unable to give a satisfactory account as to how he came in possession of the solar panels.

Investigating officer, Detective Superintendent Sergeant Marapo requested that the accused be remanded in custody to help them with investigations.

“The matter is still fresh and the accused be remanded in custody so he can help us with investigations.

Right now he has not given us clear statements and denies that the solar panels belonged to him,” Marapo said.