No bail for ex-fugitive murder accused

Lebogang Baingapi | Thursday October 27, 2016 16:05

 

Itumeleng Ramokhua claimed he was not on the run, but rather had been sick and hospitalised in South Africa for six months. However, his arguments fell flat after he failed to produce proof. Ramokhua disappeared after being granted bail on April 7, 2016, in a memorable appearance in which he went berserk and told court that he does not want to be treated like a rag doll and told the court that his trial was being unreasonably delayed and that he was always chained “like a donkey” when he appeared in court. He also complained about the harsh prison life and the fact that he had not been given a chance to present his defence via trial.

On Tuesday, Keakantse said the court viewed the accused as a flight risk as he had escaped court appearances for quite a long time.

“South Africa is a sovereign state where our police officers are not privileged to enter and arrest suspects. Extradition laws are tough and it would be hard if not impossible to look for the accused (if he absconds again after being granted bail),” the magistrate said.

She said while the court acknowledged that the case has been pending since November 2015, the accused was also to blame as he had been on the run.

The magistrate however ordered the prosecution to hasten the process of committing the accused to the High Court. He will appear again on November 14, 2016.

According to the charge sheet, Ramakhua, a herdboy at Tsele cattlepost, allegedly murdered Power Batseri on or about October 31, 2015 at the same cattlepost.