Zim teen allegedly poisons Motswana

Lebogang Baingapi | Tuesday February 9, 2016 12:31

 

According to the charge sheet, on  January 26, 2016, Michael Tafirenyika and three others, who were not before court, allegedly acted together with intent to poison one Tumelo Soloka at Morothojane lands.

The prosecutor, Inspector Lorato Chabaetsile pleaded with court to remand the accused as investigations on the matter are still at infant stage and also to allow the investigating team to arrest the other accused.

Magistrate Odirile Mokgatle ruled that the accused be remanded in custody because he admitted that he does not have travelling documents.

He said the accused does not have a permanent residence and poses the threat of absconding trial if granted bail.

Mokgatle added that the accused entered Botswana at an ungazzeted point and has been living in different cattle posts for the past three years.

“You might not stand trial as you admitted to have entered in and out of Botswana unlawfully as you wish,” Mokgatle charged.

Still in court, 34-year-old Diteko Setshwakga’s efforts to have his freedom back hit the wall when Magistrate Basetsana Keakantse extended his remand warrant. Setshwakga of Mokgadi ward in Khakhea is facing a single count of cruel and degrading treatment of child, contravening the Children’s Act.

Particulars of the offence are that on December 21, 2015 at Thankane Settlement, Setshwakga subjected a 2-year-old boy to inhumane and degrading punishment by causing multiple injuries to his body.

The prosecutor, Edwin Supang asked the court to extend the accused‘s remand warrant as the social welfare officers are working around the clock to move the child to a place of safety.

Setshwakga, however, chipped in to tell court that he is a Khakhea resident and the complainant stays in Thankane, which is some kilometres apart.

He pleaded that he be released on bail as he was not a threat to police investigations.  He mentioned that since his arrest he has been cooperative with the police and would continue to honour court sessions when required.

Magistrate Keakantse, however, highlighted her displeasure at the snail’s pace of the social workers to move the child as mentioned in the last sitting.  She ordered that the said officers hasten the process.

“Justice in this case requires that you be remanded in custody to allow the child to be relocated because he can be highly influenced.  You are hereby remanded in custody until February 17, 2016,” she ordered.