Defendant claims to be possessed by thokolosi

Lebogang Baingapi | Friday May 22, 2015 14:28

 

Appearing in court early this week, 34-year-old Boikobo Tumisang told Magistrate Odirile Mokgatle that he is suffering from multiple undisclosed illnesses, and wanted to solicit divine healing to deal with the thokolosi bothering him.

He said he is the sole breadwinner for his small children and grandmother, while his father has been imprisoned for stock theft.

Tumisang and Odireleng Kati are accused of breaking into a shop and theft. It is alleged that on October, 14, 2015, at Lefoko village, the duo broke into a shop belonging to Matshelo Dikole, and stole items worth P744. In his mitigation, Kati pleaded with court to give him a lenient sentence, as he is a first time offender and a breadwinner who had stepped into the shoes of his father, who recently passed on.

The prosecution brought a record of five previous convictions against Tumisang, two of which he denied. The offences, which date back to 1999, ranged from assault and causing bodily harm, bar break in and theft, as well as distracting police officers from carrying out their duty.

The two were remanded in custody awaiting their sentence. Still in court, two men from Itholoke village near Jwaneng accused of shop break-in and theft, presented different pleas before Magistrate Segametsi Basinyi, Keipoletse Hoje, 32, and his alleged accomplice, Samuel Dikhukhu (22) pleaded not guilty to the offence.

According to the charge sheet, it is alleged that on February, 21, 2015, the accused duo broke into Gasite Fresh Produce in Itholoke, and stole goods and cash amounting to P9, 306.

The prosecution told court that there were not anticipating a plea of guilty from the first accused person and they asked to be given time to prepare facts of the matter as well as furnish the second accused person with relevant documents to prepare for his defence case.

The prosecution also stated that they would call five witnesses to seal the presentation on their investigations, which are complete.