Defence counsel wants pastor�s laptops
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Friday May 12, 2017 12:20
Reverend Mogomotsi together with Thapelo Tlhase (24), and Mokganedi Porogwane (41), have been charged with the murder of his wife, Dianah Ompelege Mogomotsi, who died in January following a brutal attack by alleged thieves at their home in Mochudi.
Mogomotsi is currently out on bail, which High Court Judge Zein Kebonang granted him a fortnight ago. When the trio appeared for mention before Mochudi Magistrate Keabetswe Majuta, the pastor’s attorney Karabo Masuku pleaded with the Court to order the prosecution to give the accused his properties which were disposed from him after he was arrested.
He said he needs the laptops as they are used for his church sermons.
“I am not opposed to setting another mention date. However, we plead that the laptops, which were dispossessed, be returned to the accused. He needs them at the church for his services,” pleaded Masuku.
Masuku further said the prosecution should update the Court as to how far their investigations are, since they had previously told the court that investigations are ongoing.
Attorney Golekanye Rabasha who represents Tlhase, said he intended to apply for bail for his client. However, following discussions with the prosecution, he decided to move the bail application in the next mention appearance.
“I had intended to apply for bail in respect of the second accused. However, the prosecution’s view was that I had not notified him; as such he is not prepared. I reluctantly accepted but would apply for bail in the next mention date,” he said.
Porogwane, who is the third accused pleaded to be granted bail as he takes care of his children who are currently with their grandmother.
In response, prosecutor assistant superintendent Tlotlang Balatlhwa of Botswana Police Services said they have a problem with returning the laptops to the accused as the police seized them as exhibits in the case.
He further said the Court does not have powers to order them to release the laptops.
“The Director of the Directorate of the Public Prosecution (DPP) is the one with those powers if they feel they wont be used during trial. We therefore object that the laptops at this time cannot be released. We are still investigating,” he said.
Relating to Porogwane’s bail application, Balatlhwa pleaded with the Court that the matter should be dealt with in the next mention date when the second accused moves his application, as he did not anticipate any bail application
He said the two could not be granted bail because there are certain issues to be cleared which involves them.
He said that he might call the investigating officer in the next mention date to address the Court on those aspects.
Magistrate Majuta remanded Tlhase and Porogwane in custody. She said that she will inform herself on how to deal with properties seized by police for investigations.