Sekai�s lawyer calls for reconciliation in flogging case
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Friday December 16, 2016 15:58
Linchwe is facing charges of assault and causing grievous bodily harm during flogging incidents that happened in Kgatleng in 2010.
Following the barring of his former lawyer Kgosietsile Ngakaagae, Linchwe has roped in Onalethata Kambai as his defence counsel. Ngakaagae was barred from representing Linchwe by the court back in September as he was said to be conflicted to represent the Bakgatla royal, as he previously prosecuted the matter.
Kambai told the court that they want a meeting with the prosecution to discuss reconciliation.
“We have recently been appointed to this matter. We have looked at the records and we realised that there has been reconciliation effort, because there is a statement before this court,” he said.
“We would like to know whether the state objects to reconciliation so that we don’t waste the time of the court. The law allows for reconciliation to take place at any stage of the case as ordered by the High Court since 1981.” He said that the state has no power to oppose a reconciliation.
“We request for a meeting of the parties, but if we don’t agree on the withdrawal of the charge, we will move on to file an application.” State prosecutor Susan Mangori said that the state has presented its position on reconciliation before the court and remains the same. Previously, Mangori has told the court that the state could not withdraw the charges as the victims look up to the Judiciary for justice.
Magistrate Mokwadi Chris Gabanagae agreed that the two parties should meet on January 13, 2017 and discuss the issue of reconciliation. He ordered the parties to return to court for status hearing on February 3, 2017.