�Brother killer� accused pleads for bail

Tumelo Mouwane | Thursday June 22, 2017 17:44

 

However, Olebogeng Mogatusi will spend more time behind bars after chief magistrate, Mareledi Dipate yesterday said he would only rule on bail after considering a social workers’ report and Mogatusi’s psychiatric review.

The state alleges that the accused person killed his older brother, Gilbert Mogatusi, 29, by hitting him with a fist in the stomach.

The accused said his life was in jeopardy if he continued to stay in prison.

“My life is threatened in prison. This court has to protect me. Other inmates have threatened to kill me because of reasons best known to them. I will obey all the bail conditions,” he said.

Mogatusi said the situation in his family had returned to normal and his parents wanted him home.

“The social workers’ report, which the police submitted to the court is not important and necessary in my bail application.

“You would have rather brought my parents’ report.

“I need bail. It has been a very long time since I was remanded in custody. My parents want me home. They confirm that there is peace at home and I can come.”

However, Dipate said he would still have to read the social workers’ report and the psychiatric review before considering bail.

“I have just received the social workers’ report and I will have to familiarise myself with certain aspects in both the social workers’ report and the psychiatric evaluation,” he said. The case will mention on July 4, 2017 for the bail ruling.