Psychiatric Assessment Delay Threat-To-Kill Case

Pini Bothoko | Monday August 21, 2017 16:21

 

It is alleged that on July 5, 2017 Wadza Tombo 49, threatened to kill, and used insulting words against Minister Makgato accusing her of blocking his close to P2.7 million Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) loan. Consequently, he faces two counts of threat-to-kill, .

After Tombo’ s arrest, prosecution pleaded with court not to grant him bail because they wanted to send him to Sbrana Psychiatric Hospital for psychiatric assessment suspecting that he might not be of sound mind. State prosecutor, Oamogetswe Gaboutlwelwe told court yesterday that they managed to book September 21, 2017 to conduct psychiatric assessment. Appearing before Broadhurst magistrate Wame Mosugelo for mention, Gaboutlwelwe pleaded with court to further extend Tambo’s detention as they are still waiting for psychiatric assessment to be carried out.

Tombo told court that he is not a lunatic as prosecution claims but he is being punished just because the complainant is the minister.

“I am worried that I have been in prison for a month now and there is no progress in my case, hence being denied to be granted bail. I am a husband, a responsible father of four with the youngest being five months old. My wife who is a teacher at Shakawe senior secondary school is struggling with the children without my support,” Tombo said. Mosugelo told Tombo to be patient with court because prosecution has disclosed to be depending on the assessment report to further continue with the case.

The prosecution has in the past pleaded with court to remand Tombo in prison fearing that he might continue with his threats against Makgato.

“Their misunderstandings date five years back, and the accused does not want to let it go. We also wish he could undergo counselling because we suspect the rejection of the loan might be the reason that triggered his actions,” said Gaboutlwelwe then.

In his first appearance, Tombo told court that their misunderstanding was politically influenced and he insulted Makgato because she deliberately blocked his loan application because he is supporting an opposition party.

Tombo informed court that the minister insisted he should produce a BDP membership card first in order to be granted the loan.