Magistrate appeals for �no trial by media� in Davids murder case
Mpho Mokwape | Friday February 2, 2018 17:46
Makgora requested that the media report accordingly on the late Mochudi East MP Isaac Davids murder case and not go beyond the court process. ‘’I have no control over the media, but I can only make an appeal that they respect court proceedings so as not to jeopardise its process,’’ she said.
The magistrate was forced to make the appeal after defence lawyer, Mishingo Jeremia decried the way the media, was reporting on the case in respect of his client.
The two farmhands, Zimbabwean Jabulani Dube, 31, and 32-year-old Mokgalemi Maleya from Ramotswa appeared for mention on January 30, 2018 for the alleged murder of Davids.
They are each facing one count of murder and the state alleges that on January 14, 2018 at Serilatholo village near Letlhakeng the duo murdered their employer, 68-year-old Davids. Jeremia represents Maleya in this case.
Jeremia said some media houses are going beyond the merits and facts of the case by even interviewing possible witnesses. He said journalists had no right to interview potential witnesses, as that it is the duty of the court. ‘’Cases are done by the courts not on media platforms. I request for due diligence in the interest of justice not just the accused,’’ he said.
In response, the prosecution asked the magistrate for an order barring interviews in relation to the accused persons unless only from relevant authorities. The order was denied.