Man remanded for allegedly killing lover

Lebogang Mosikare | Thursday October 15, 2015 15:00

 

Tumelo Olebogeng, a security guard aged 45 years, is set to return to court on October 28 for another mention.

The state alleges that Olebogeng killed his girlfriend, Betty Manka, using a knife on October 12, 2015 at Block 8.

The investigations officer, detective constable Obedience Masilo, informed the court that on the night the incident happened, he received a report to the effect that Olebogeng had allegedly stabbed Manka with a knife.

Masilo said police officers went to the scene of the incident and took Manka to Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital where she was later confirmed dead by doctors.

“By that time the suspect had fled the scene of crime. I managed to talk to him on his phone and asked him to surrender himself at Kutlwano Police Station but he took time to tell me where he was. I tried for a long time but he refused until I arrested him at Block 8,” said Masilo.

Masilo further urged the court to remand the accused in jail because he had just started investigations  into the matter and is yet to record statements from witnesses.

Masilo added: “I conducted a search on the accused after I arrested him. I found a rope in his possession that we suspect he wanted to use to hang himself. We fear that when released on bail, he might execute his mission. We also managed to recover the knife allegedly used to commit the offence.”

When it was his turn to cross-examine Masilo, Olebogeng said he had nothing to say.  “I am not in a state to ask him questions,” said Olebogeng.

However, Principal Magistrate Sijabuliso Siziba advised Olebogeng that failure to ask questions on his part, is tantamount to conceding that he be denied bail. Olebogeng replied: “It is not that I don’t want to ask questions. It is only that my heart is beating fast.”

Siziba then advised Olebogeng to set aside his emotions whenever he comes to court.

The accused then told the court that he works at a mine and he has debts that he wants to settle which he would not manage if he is incarcerated.

He added: “I have never received any call from the police as they allege. The only person who called me was my sister and one Mr Dintwa. I was also not going to use the rope to kill myself as alleged by the police but was going to use it to tie my gate.”

In remanding the accused in custody, Siziba said; “It is alleged that you were holding a rope that the prosecution suspects you wanted to use to hang yourself.  They argued that the offences of murder are prevalent in this jurisdiction which I agree is very true.”

He added: “You have not been found guilty of any offence. This court can limit your constitutional right to liberty if it is shown that you are a threat to public peace. For the reasons aforementioned, I am convinced that you are not a good candidate for bail and shall therefore be remanded in custody.”