Ex-convict arraigned for mugging Peace Corps volunteer

Goitsemodimo Akanyang | Wednesday April 24, 2019 15:35

 

Dube, who is commonly known as Dodo in social circles, is charged together with Adam Tafila in connection with the alleged robbery. 

The state alleges that Dube and Tafila acting together in concert and with a common purpose, robbed a US Peace Corps volunteer, Catherine Olsen of a bag worth P250, phone valued at $700, automated bank cards of two American banks and P600 among other goods along Haskins Street on February 22, 2019. 

According to the prosecution, the total value of goods that the duo allegedly stole is P7,600 (P600 and $700). 

They allegedly used violence when committing the offence and have not pleaded guilty to the charge. 

If found guilty, the duo shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than 10 years. 

When the duo was arraigned before Magistrate Game Mooketsi, inspector Mengistu Chigala told the court that they had just arrested Dube two days back (Sunday) since he has been on the run after he allegedly committed the offence. 

Chigala also told the court that the state was not opposed to the accused being granted bail. 

Chigala then called the investigating officer Fela Phirinyane to tell the court why the state was not opposed to bail.

Phirinyane told the court that although they have just arrested Dube, they were not opposed to bail because they were about to complete their investigations.

Phirinyane added that the accused would not in any manner tamper with the state’s remaining investigations even if the court were to grant them bail. 

The court then heard that Tafila was granted bail following his arrest before Dube was arrested by the police in a sting operation in the middle of the night while sleeping at a certain yard in Monarch. 

After the police gave reasons why they were not opposed to bail, Magistrate Mooketsi made an order that Dube just like Tafila shall pay a cash bail of P2,000, bring two sureties who shall each bind themselves in the same amount, not interfere with state witnesses, not be a suspect in any offence and attend court without fail whenever required to do so. 

However, Mooketsi added that since Dube has been on the run after he allegedly committed the offence, he shall be remanded in custody until May 7 while Tafila shall appear in court on May 28.