Thieves steal TNMC copper cables

Lebogang Mosikare | Tuesday April 25, 2017 16:42

 

Yesterday, two Zimbabweans, Peter Gangira and Themba Ncube appeared before Magistrate Kaveri Kapeko to answer for a charge of stealing copper cables of unknown quantity and another of damaging the mine’s fence.

They admitted to committing the offences on April 22 at the Mine’s premises with Nyalalani Kgaolo, who is employed by the Francistown City Council (FCC) as a plumber.

However, Magistrate Kapeko reserved Kgaolo’s plea in respect of damaging the Mine’s fence in order to gain entry inside the Mine.

Kgaolo told the Court that he could not hear properly because the police tortured him after they were arrested.

“The police put my head inside a toilet seat and then flushed it. I now have hearing problems because of the police’s torture.

I also apply that I be given my car that was confiscated by the police after they arrested us,” said Kgaolo who staggered to the dock and talked with difficulty during the course of the proceedings.

He also pleaded with the Court to order the police to take him to hospital for medical attention saying his kidneys were very painful.

Asked to comment about the torture allegations raised by Kgaolo, Inspector James Moikwathai said he was not aware of the allegations but promised to do a follow up.

Moikwathai applied for Gangira and Ncube to be remanded in custody pending facts reading because they were a flight risk.

The Zimbabweans also pleaded guilty to entering Botswana illegally during a date unknown to the prosecution.

Kapeko adjourned the matter to May 4 for facts reading and arraignment of Kgaolo in relation to the second charge.

He added: “Kgaolo is granted bail on condition that he signs his own recognisance in the sum of P500 and provide a surety who shall bind himself in the same amount.” He shall also appear in Court whenever he is wanted.”