Taxi driver 'robbers' arraigned

Goitsemodimo Akanyang | Tuesday March 19, 2019 13:51

 

The State alleges that Jabulani Kesiile of Tutume alongside two Zimbabwean illegal immigrants, Jivas Chizunza and Passmore Gondo, acting jointly stole Oabona Rapekenene’s taxi between March 6 and 7 at Tonota.

It is said that the three accused persons had boarded the vehicle in Tonota as passengers. The State also alleges that the accused used violence on Rapekenene when stealing the car.

When given a chance to speak, Chizunza accused the State of not cooperating with him very well. 

“I was promised safe custody since my arrest, but instead I do not feel safe anymore because from time to time the police take me for questioning and then assault me. Also, I informed the police that I have a lawyer but they have not told him that I am in custody,” said Chizunza. 

Gondo told Magistrate Kose Makobo that he was not feeling well. He said he was bleeding from the nose and vomiting after the police tortured him. Kesiile also stated that the police tortured him following his arrest.

“I was born without scars but if you could look at my body right now, you are not going to like what you see. My body is in pains and I cannot walk properly because of the assault. I ask that I be given permission to go to the clinic and to the police station to open a case against the officers who assaulted me,” said Kesiile. “Lastly, I request that I be granted bail because I do not know my co-accused persons and I do not know the crime that I allegedly committed.”

In response to the accused pleas, Makobo said she was reluctant to grant them bail as police investigations were ongoing.

She also added that she could not grant Gondo bail since he is a flight risk as he does not have travel documents.

“The investigations team should be given the opportunity to investigate without possible interference from the accused. The accused shall be taken for medical attention. I also advise you to go and report that you were assaulted by the police to the station commander of Tonota police,” said Makobo.