Daisy Loo accused have case to answer - Nyamadzabo

ISAIAH MOREWAGAE
Staff Writer | Thursday December 2, 2010 00:00

In his ruling, Nyamadzabo found that Frank Molaletsi, Gilbert Sithole, Frank Stegling, Bitsang Abby, Daisy Loo cleaning company and its managing director, Moemedi Dijeng have to defend themselves on allegations laid by the State.

He found that the State had been able to establish a prima facie case against the accused on all four counts and that they have to defend themselves.

Nyamadzabo told court that after assessing submissions made by the defence counsels, he was not persuaded to rule that the accused had no case to answer as such each one of them will have to take the stand and defend themselves. The six are accused of trying to defraud government of approximately P21 million as a claim for the tender of bush clearing in the Segoditshane area.

The magistrate told court that the question of whether the State has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt does not arise, as it should be left until the end of trial.

He asserted that the accused are called upon to give an explanation on some of the allegations made by the State.

After the ruling, the court set a 10-day period in which the accused will conduct their defence. The dates set are January 26, 27, 28, February 24, 25, and March 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 next year.

However, the dates will be confirmed on December 7, when the case comes before court for mention. Wasson Manchwe and Susan Mangori represent the State, while the defence team is comprised of Joao Salbany, Duma Boko, Unoda Mack, Dick Bayford and Tebogo Sebego.