Alleged poaching kingpin engages attorney
Lenitame Motsokono | Friday January 26, 2018 17:37
The State alleged that the self-employed Moyo, 52, from Zimbabwe, Godwin Mbaiwa, 55, from Zoroga village and others not before court acting together in concert were at the Francistown-Orapa junction unlawfully found with a rhinoceros horn in October 2012.
Updating the court on the status of the case, prosecutor Mompoloki Mabalane from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) said that the State is looking for other accused persons implicated in the matter.
“We have managed to locate Godwin Mbaiwa and we apply that he be arraigned. Investigations into the matter are complete.
The State will call seven witnesses, amongst them a wildlife biologist and an officer from Botswana Bureau of Standards,” said Mabalane. Moyo and Mbaiwa pleaded not guilty to the charge. After pleas were taken, Mabalane made another application for Mbaiwa to be withdrawn from the matter without prejudice to the State and be turned into a State witness.
“The prosecution intends to use Mbaiwa as an accomplice witness. He has already deposed a statement in that regard,” she said.
Moyo told the court that his wife was present in court and will help him to engage an attorney.
Moyo’s wife told the court that she would be able to acquire the lawyer after 14 days.
Moyo, however asked if it was lawful for Mbaiwa to be turned into a State witness since they were arrested together, to which Magistrate Lebogang Kebeetsweng replied in the affirmative. Subsequently, Kebeetsweng granted the State its wish of turning Mbaiwa into a state witness. The matter was adjourned to February 8 for mention.