Unborn child dies after mother is kicked in the belly

Tumelo Mouwane | Thursday July 6, 2017 18:28

 

However in a turn of events that has left villagers in Pitsane-Potlhokwe shocked, Mangole was granted bail by chief magistrate, Mareledi Dipate yesterday. He is charged with assault and one count of causing the death of the unborn child.

Prosecutors say on June 26 at Pitsane-Potlhokwe village in Goodhope-Mabule constituency, Mangole assaulted a woman who was in the sixth month of her pregnancy. Details surrounding the cause of the alleged incident are still unclear.

The accused was subsequently arrested and questioned shortly after the incident.

Prosecutor, sub inspector Dumani Chakasala of Ramatlabama police station said the state did not object to bail since there was no solid reason to remand the accused in custody.

“The accused kicked the victim on the stomach and she was subsequently rushed on emergency to Goodhope Primary Hospital where upon arrival her situation worsened.

She was then referred to Princess Marina Hospital where the unborn child was certified dead.  “Investigations into this case are still in their infancy, but the state does not object to the granting of bail since the complainant was released from hospital today (Tuesday) and is still recovering at home.

“We do not expect the accused to cause any harm and there is no solid reason to remand him,” Chakasala said.

Speaking briefly in court, Mangole denied kicking the complainant.

“I know it’s not time for trial yet, but I did not kick the complainant,” he said.  The case is scheduled for mention on October 19.

In another matter, the trial of two men accused of stealing goods worth more than P50,000 in Goodhope and Gamajalela villages will take place on October 17 and 18.

Ntando Dube (35) of Peleng ward in Lobatse alongside Tshepang Ketsile (24) of Goodhope village face five counts of house breaking, stealing in a dwelling house as well as two counts of robbery and motor vehicle theft.

The state alleges that on the night of March 29, 2017, the duo went on a stealing spree and started off at Goodhope where they broke into one Seabelo Motlhatlhedi’s house with the intent to steal there in. Still in the same village on March 29, the men tied up two victims and held them at knife-point before making off with jewellery, clothes and phones worth P13,400.

On the same night, Dube and Ketsile broke into another house in Gamajalela village and using violence, stole car keys, phones and other valuables worth P4,700. A Blue Bird model Nissan motor vehicle worth P28,000 was also was stolen.  The state intends to call 11 witnesses in the matter.