AFM pastor charged with wife�s murder
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Thursday April 6, 2017 10:24
It was drama yesterday, as the police slapped a murder charge on the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) pastor who was kidnapped, assaulted and left for dead last week. Reverend Mooketsi Mogomotsi and two others were hauled before the Mochudi Magistrate’s Court charged with the murder of his wife who died in January following a brutal attack by alleged thieves at their home in Mochudi.
Mooketsi was recently hospitalised with serious head injuries after he was allegedly held for 12 hours, from 3pm to 3am. Now, together with two others, Thapelo Obakeng Tlhase (25) and Mokganedi Porogwane (47), Mooketsi has been charged with the murder of his wife, Dianah Ompelege Mogomotsi who was killed on January 5.
He appeared before the Mochudi Magistrate, Keabetswe Majuta yesterday where the charge sheet was read to him. The prosecution opposed his bail application saying investigations into the matter were still new. Testifying to a packed Court, Investigating Officer (IO), Detective Constable Oageng Morewagae argued that the accused was not a bail candidate. He said there was fear for his safety once granted bail because his community has mixed feelings towards what happened.
Furthermore, he stated that the families of the deceased and accused were still mourning the death of his wife.
“He is a community leader. The community might react or attack the accused. We believe he will be safe in prison,” he said. Lead by prosecutor sub-inspector Kabelo Modise, Morewagae said arrangements will be made for the accused to receive medical attention while in custody. He also said the accused could interfere with investigations if released on bail. During cross-examination by defence counsel Karabo Masuku of Bayford and Associates firm, Morewagae said prison health facilities are similar to outside facilities with nurses and doctors available all the time. He said in cases where inmates require special medical attention, referrals are made to hospitals such as Princess Marina Hospital.
The IO was responding to a question from the defence who asked if facilities in prison are better than those outside. Asked whether the accused is not the right person to take care of his two children, the IO responded that an arrangement will be made with the social worker to care for the minors in the absence of the accused. However, Masuku submitted that the accused as the biological father of the children will be best to take care of them. He said the rights of the accused and the interests of the children have to be considered. “He is most capable to take care of his children. They lost their mother and have been assisting each other go through the difficult period together, so it is paramount to maintain the status quo,” said Masuku. He further said his client should be granted bail because of his injuries to seek medical assistance that surpasses what he can get in prison.
He said the state will not suffer any prejudice. “The prosecution does not suffer any prejudice. My client is not a flight risk so why not afford a mourning father, pastor and Motswana bail?” The prosecutor argued that the accused is facing a serious offence of murder. He said relatives may be overcome by emotions and take matters into their own hands if he is granted bail.
“We don’t know whether his liberty will be his safety or demise,” said Modise. Majuta extended the remand warrant of the accused and said that she will deliver her ruling on the bail application on April 13, 2017. She ordered the prosecution to make arrangements to assist the accused’s children.