Seven accused could face additional charges
Pini Bothoko | Tuesday September 19, 2017 16:14
Prosecutor Tsogo Rantopa told Magistrate Wame Mosugelo that the seven accused persons are facing two counts of robbery, but there is a likelihood of more charges to be pressed against them.
“Investigations on the matter are still ongoing and from the investigations we have gathered so far it is highly possible for the accused persons’ charges to increase,” Rantopa said.
Prosecution revealed that on the first count, the accused persons Kutlo Ramagonono, 25, Phenyo Kgabonngwe, 22, Nicolas Sibanda, 20, Mmusi Ntshaba, 20, Thato Gosejwang, 23, Boitshoko Chepete, 19, Atang Kgoreletso, 20, and others not before court on the night of August 23, 2017, at or near Nando’s, Mogoditshane acting jointly and in concert, robbed Sakarea Rebaone of a black Samsung Tab 3 Lite cellular phone valued at P2,800 and P700 in cash.
It was revealed that at or immediately before or immediately after, the time of such robbery they used violence against the complainant.
On second count it was revealed that on the night of August 28, 2017, at or near Trans Wholesale in Mogoditshane the accused persons robbed Thabiso Kgongwana of a black Huawei cellular phone valued at P850 and at that time as well they used violence against the complainant.
Rantopa pleaded with the court to further remand the accused persons in custody to allow the police to conclude their investigations. He went on to inform court that the Ramogonono who did not appear before court yesterday was still on the run.
It is alleged that the accused persons have been terrorising the city of Gaborone breaking into people’s cars stealing their valuables and they are part of the 27 smash and grab suspects who were arrested a fortnight ago.
Asked if they had anything to say, Kgabonngwe told court that he does not see any reason why he should be remanded in custody whilst the police have freed Ramogonono who was the main culprit in the commission of the offences.
“I have not committed any offense. I am not part of the charges that the prosecution is saying they are likely to introduce hence pleading to be granted bail while awaiting trial,” Kgabonngwe said.
For his part, Sibanda expressed concerns that it appears that he will be remanded in custody for a very long time despite his alleged innocence.
Ntshaba and Gosejwang also said they are innocent and did not know why they were put in custody and told the court that Ramagonono was the mastermind of all the crimes.
Gosejwang claimed ignorance as to why he was in police custody saying his name was not linked to any of the crimes.
Chepete pleaded with the court to grant him bail because he is a student and is preparing for his BGCSE examinations next month. He also begged the court to grant him bail because after his arrest his house was broken into and all of his belongings were stolen.
“My parents recently visited me in prison and informed me that my house has been broken into and all of my belongings (have been) stolen. Ramagonono told the police that I have not committed the offence hence not knowing the reason why I am still in custody,” Chepete said.
He also said that the police tortured him.
“I was tortured by the police with electricity and due to the pain I admitted to the offence I never committed.
When arrested the police told me that I stole P1,000 and cellular phone from one soldier, but that charge does not appear on the charge sheet. I am pleading with court to grant me bail so that I can go and continue with my studies,” Chepete said.
Rantopa told court that the accused persons are linked to many robbery cases reported at various police stations.
They were further remanded in custody and will appear for mention on October 5, 2017.