Give me my trial � �Boko Haram� robber

Lebogang Mosikare | Tuesday July 26, 2016 16:08

 

When sentencing him for his previous conviction last May, Principal Magistrate Dumisani Basupi described the convict, Gaomodimo Molosiwa, as “a Boko Haram militant”.

Basupi said he was confident that Molosiwa perfectly fit the Boko Haram tag and if he was given a gun, military attire and vehicle, he would “wipe out the whole of Francistown within a few days”.

Yesterday, Molosiwa, who is facing two robbery cases, told Chief Magistrate Gaedupe Makgatho that he was desperate for his trial.

In the first count, the state alleges that Molosiwa, 27, Monkemedi Kabanje, 26, and Ronnie Sebotana, 27, robbed Ntsholetsang Oitsile of cellphones and cash amounting to P2,610.30 on May 23, 2014 in Tonota.

The State also alleges that the trio used force to rob Kelebogile Ramosesane of cash and valuables worth P4,600 on May 28, 2014 in Tonota, shortly after they robbed Oitsile while still on the run.

Prosecutor Mothusi Meshack from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) said investigations in all the matters were complete adding that the state is ready to set trial dates.

“The state will call 23 witnesses in all the cases and is ready for trial,” said Meshack.

All the accused, who are remanded in custody, said they had no problem with the setting of trial dates save for Molosiwa who prayed with the court to set nearer trial dates because he wants to spend the coming Christmas holidays with his family.

Said Molosiwa: “I am very optimistic that I will be successful in my appeal against conviction and sentence that were passed by Basupi.

My appeal will be heard in November and I pray with the court to set a trial date before November because I know that I will be successful even in these cases that I am currently facing.

The state has no case against me.” Makgatho laughingly said he was impressed by Molosiwa’s confidence but said there was nothing he could do about a nearer trial date as his diary for the year is full.

The magistrate set the trial dates in the matter for May 22-26 next year.