Jamali wins round one

Staff Writer | Friday June 17, 2011 00:00

 

Last week the High Court in Lobatse ordered that the corruption case involving the duo at the Gaborone Magistrate Court is stayed until constititional issues that had been raised with the High Court had been determined.  The determination of the constitutional case is penciled for September 14. The effect of the order is that the court proceedings at the magistrate court proceedings will be stayed until the High Court pronounces on the constitutional matter.

Rantshabeng's lawyer, Sadique Kebonang had approached the  High Court arguing that the accused have not been tried within a reasonable time.

They argued that since the offence was committed in 2004 owing to the findings of the Lesetedi Commission, it has taken an unreasonably long time to bring the charges to court. 

They further argued that the charge sheet was defective in that it alleges that Rantshabeng influenced former minister Margaret Nasha, while in the order of events Nasha gave her evidence before Rantshabeng. They then argue that there was no evidence to charge Rantshabeng. Amongst other things they argue that Rantshabeng has no interest in Jamali's property.