Third time unlucky for Nkomazana�s bail bid
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Wednesday July 12, 2017 16:32
Bhekizwe Nkomazana has been denied bail twice by the Extension II Magistrate and the High Court, in the matter in which he is accused of concealing his boss’ death, impersonating him and going on a spending spree. In the last mention, Nkomazana’s new lawyer, Enock Mazonde had made it clear his client would again seek bail, but yesterday before regional magistrate Mokwadi Gabanagae, Mazonde was nowhere to be seen.
The vanishing act left the court with no choice but to extend Nkomazana’s remand warrant until July 24, 2017 where he will mention before the Broadhurst Magistrates Court. Gabanagae said the case could not continue in Mazonde’s absence. Nkomazana’s co-accused were also AWOL yesterday. “The accused will have to wait a little longer before his bail application is heard because I will also be away when the case returns. “This matter will mention before a Broadhurst magistrate.
However, your application will not be heard at that appearance because I will also not be present,” said Gabanagae. The state alleges that Nkomazana, together with Letlhogonolo Makgane (a lawyer), Billy Molefe, Motlalepula Molefe, on or about February 5, 2016 at or near Senamela Sekga Attorneys in Gaborone, fraudulently obtained P3.5 million from Leonisa Investments (Pty) Ltd duly represented by Benny Thomas.
The charge states that the accused falsely pretended that they had been authorised to sell and dispose of an immovable property being lot number 3032 situated at Extension II belonging to the late Solomon Tlhapane, when in fact they were not authorised by Tlhapane as he was not in the right state of mind at the time of the said transaction.
In the second count, the state alleges that Nkomazana on or about September 19, 2016, defrauded Tebogo Koketso of P600,000 purporting to have sold her a ploughing field located at the Ruele lands in the Bakgatla Tribal Territory under Title Deed No. MA634/2016. The owner of the property, Tlhapane, did not pass ownership, as he was late.
In the third count, the state alleges that Nkomazana and his girlfriend, Ketshephile Lempehu, failed to bury the late Tlhapane between August 9, 2016 and November 20, 2016 at Tlokweng. Other charges include bribing officials from National Registration Office to obtain National Identity (Omang) and a birth certificate and also bribing officials from the Department of Road Transport and Safety to obtain a Botswana driver’s licence. Nkomazana is also accused of obtaining a Botswana passport fraudulently. All the other accused persons are out on bail.