Nkomazana out on bail

Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Thursday March 21, 2019 16:50

 

Nkomazana is the prime suspect in a long-dragging multimillion-pula theft and graft case. The Zimbabwean is facing 10 charges including alleged theft of P3.9 million from his late boss, Solomon Tlhapane.

Nkomazana has been languishing in jail since his arrest in November 2016 with the prosecution informing the court on numerous court appearances that investigations into the matter were still ongoing. 

However, Mathaka finally granted him bail set at P15,000 cash saying that his liberty was at stake because the matter was not progressing.

This came after the prosecution was asked to find out if he has a place of residence in Gaborone whilst out on bail. 

His bail conditions include providing two citizen sureties binding themselves with an amount of P10,000 each and surrendering his travel documents to the police.

He was also ordered to report daily at the Broadhurst Police station between 7.30am and 4pm, and inform the police if he ever wishes to change his place of residence. 

“The accused should stay within a 10km radius of Gaborone,” Mathaka said. 

Prior to him being granted bail, the prosecution had called the investigating officer senior superintendent detective Sergeant Marapo to tell the court why the accused could not be granted bail. 

Marapo said the accused is not a candidate for bail because his identity is still contentious as he uses two names, which are Khaya Bheki Mazibuko and Bhekizwe Nkomazana, something that could only be determined during trial. 

Marapo also told the court that they have not recovered some of the exhibits including P2.5 million, which the accused said he spent all of the money on beer. 

However, his attorney Kgosiitsile Ngakaagae argued that his client has already spent close to half of the maximum sentence he could get, if he is found guilty. He said this could be an injustice to the accused person.

Nkomazana is charged with corruption, theft, entering the country through an illegal point, forgery of title deeds, obtaining by false pretences and giving false information while applying for a Botswana national identity card and fraudulently obtaining a Botswana passport under the pretext that he was a registered citizen. 

He is charged alongside, attorney Letlhogonolo Makgane, Billy Molefe, Motlalepula Molefe, attorney Bhekimpilo Moyo, Tebogo Edwin Koketso, Ketshepile Sharon Lempehu, Jerico Murima, Othusitse Seoke, Daniel Gasefiwe, Keothupilwe Aobakwe, Levy Mosweu and Pula Joseph.