Female robbery suspect granted bail

Lindiwe Mozola | Wednesday March 23, 2016 14:26

 

Ramontsho was arrested during her last mention after she failed to honour trial dates.

Ramontsho together with her co-accused, Moshe Osego, Andrew Tamisango, Martha Osego, Mmaphama Motswetla, and Lechedzani Tamisango are alleged to have armed themselves with a 12-gauge shotgun and pistol to rob Sefalana of P700,000 on October 3, 2012.

Prosecutors say the gang fired shots during the daring robbery.  Ramontsho and her co-accused were previously warned about skipping court dates, before her eventual arrest during her last mention.

This week, state prosecutor, Reuben Sebetlela prayed to the court to release her from custody saying the reasons the suspect had given for failing to appear in court for trial were valid.

“I was informed by the police that the accused in the last mention pending trial, was seen around the court. However by the time she was supposed to appear before the court, she could not be found, hence her arrest.

“Therefore acting on that knowledge to be a change of circumstance, we pray that the accused be given an opportunity to await trial outside custody.

“However, she must be warned of coming late to court and not honouring court dates,” he said.

Magistrate Gofaone Mosweu said keeping the accused behind bars for not honouring court dates was meant to teach her a lesson, since it was not the first time Ramontsho had been warned about showing up on time.

“This showed me that you wanted to spend time behind bars since you knew very well the consequences of not honouring court dates, as I had already warned you and the other co-accused.

“I will grant you your wish with the hope that you have learnt a lesson of taking this court seriously. I will therefore, give you one more last chance to await trial outside,” she said. The trial has been re-scheduled to run from June 7, 20 and 30.