Fraud suspects get bail

Tumelo Mouwane | Tuesday September 1, 2015 16:25

 

Lemogang Motlogelwa (28), Dilotlhoko Mogosi (45), Motlhalefi Dikomang (47) and Nonofo Mathiba (30) are accused of using false cheques bearing the names of Jab Pty (Ltd) with intent to withdraw money from the bank. The offence was committed on Tuesday and the four were arrested on the spot. The first cheque amounted to P8,760 whilst the other one was for P8,940.50.

The prosecutor, Mshingo Kedikanetswe, said the case is at the initial stage and they are yet to locate three other suspects.

“There is a lot to be done.  Three other suspects are not here and the cheques belong to someone who stays as far away as Gantsi. We are going to investigate the case, therefore we urgently ask for an extension of remand,” the prosecutor told the court.

Tshepo said she could not deny the accused persons bail, since the police had confiscated the cheques. “If the cheques were not with the police it would be difficult for me to grant the accused persons bail. Now that the cheques are with them, it is hard for me to deny the accused persons bail, more so that they were arrested on Tuesday. The prosecution has not done enough and if the remand of the accused persons was urgent the investigating officer would be here,” Tshepo said.

Kedikanetswe said it was unfortunate that the investigating officer was not present in court to confirm the urgency of remanding the accused in custody.

“I don’t have much to say. We could be calling him (investigating officer) to express the urgency of remanding the accused,” said Kedikanetswe.

The accused persons were all granted P700 bail.  They were instructed to produce sureties with recognisance of P500. Tshepo also ordered them not to interfere with investigations and attend court at all times. The four accused will appear before court again on September 21.