Kgathi in court for cocaine possession
Tumelo Mouwane | Wednesday December 7, 2016 15:54
Lone Kgathi (23) of Broadhurst, is charged with illegal possession of cocaine.
Kgathi, who appeared alone yesterday, Tumisang Tlhaelang (24), Kgosietsile Dihutso (25), both Phakalane residents and Alphious Raditlhadi (25) of Block 5, face a single count of unlawful possession of the substance believed to be habit-forming cocaine.
At least 41 packages were confiscated during their arrest, which took place on October 12 at a police road block in Pitsane.
Eleven packages were in the form of blocks, which were sealed inside a biscuit container, whilst 30 were inside a snack container. The accused persons are alleged to have been in transit from South Africa, where the substance was allegedly purchased.
The four accused were granted conditional bail on their first day in court on the basis that they are Batswana citizens and they will be easily traceable in case they attempt to abscond.
Among other bail conditions, which were stipulated was that they bind themselves with P1,000 each and report themselves at the nearest police station fortnightly. They were also ordered to appear before court as and when required. While Kgathi appeared alone yesterday, the whereabouts of other three co-accused persons were unclear. Sub Inspector Dumani Chakasala of Ramatlabama police station, hence applied for their arrest on the basis that they “deliberately missed court”. The arrest warrant was subsequently issued.
“I have not heard about the whereabouts of the other three accused persons. I think they have deliberately missed this court session, and we apply for their warrant of arrest,” Chakasala said. He further said the investigations have progressed and forensic affidavits have been availed.
“Investigations into this case have progressed. We have received the forensic affidavit and we will shortly issue it to the accused persons,” he said. Kgathi said he believed the accused person did not deliberately miss the mention date, but that they confused the courts.
“I believe they did not intentionally miss court. They were here in the morning and they went to Gaborone Extension II court since they thought the case will be heard there,” Kgathi said.
Letsholo however said the accused persona should have at least communicated with the investigating officer. “I have issued a warrant of arrest against the accused persons and they are going to be arrested.
They should have at least communicated with the investigating officer if they were confused,” he said. The case will be heard again on January 26.