Violent crime rate alarms Palapye magistrate

Koketso Kgoboge | Thursday July 9, 2015 15:35

I am worried about murder cases in the Central District. People are being killed like Phane in this region, and everyday there is a murder case.

I have realised that in this jurisdiction murder cases, rape and defilement are very common. I think people need education, said Motsamai.

The matter arose after a middle-aged man of Martins Drift, Boifang Phikela appeared before Motsamai facing a single charge of murder.

The accused was first charged with grievous bodily harm, but the charge was later amended to murder as the complainant in the matter died.

Phikela who had assaulted the mother of his children leading to her death, pleaded for bail from Motsamai.

The prosecuting officer in the matter, Sergeant Thuso Tsie of Palapye police station said the post-mortem report is complete though they are still to collect it. He also said the accused is in custody and therefore pleaded with the court to further extend the remand of arrest of the accused person.

However, Magistrate Motsamai told the accused person that she has no jurisdiction to grant bail in a murder case and therefore advised the accused to apply for bail from the high court.

Motsamai extended the remand warrant until July 17 when the accused will appear for next mention.

In another matter, Gosego Seoforeng, 30, of Monneng ward in Goo Tau pleaded guilty to a single count of unlawful wounding.

According to the charge sheet, on October 13, 2013 at Goo Tau village, Seoforeng stabbed Washington Moyo with a sharp object on the back in the right shoulder.

The prosecuting officer, Tsie pleaded that the matter be adjourned until July 15, as they are not ready with the facts. He also said they are not opposed to the accused person being granted bail.

Motsamai said the accused would appear on the said date for facts presentation.