Unionist in peripatetic court appearances

ONALENNA MODIKWA
Staff Writer | Friday May 27, 2011 00:00

 

However, Baeng did not enjoy his freedom because he was immediately whisked away to Ramotswa Police Station where he was to be detained until he appeared in court today for another offence he allegedly committed when he addressed striking employees there last week. 

Baeng spent the night in police holding cells in Serowe after he was transported from Kopong near Gaborone where he was arrested at his home on Wednesday. His next appearance in Serowe will be for mention on July 27.Baeng is alleged to have uttered words indicating that it is desirable in furtherance of the ongoing public servants strike to throw petrol bombs at police officers, such act being calculated to cause death or physical injury.Baeng is also alleged to have taught striking employees a method of making a petrol bomb by saying that petrol is mixed with sand in a bottle, shaken and thrown towards police officers.

In addition, Baeng allegedly instructed striking employees to start burning tyres on roads and around the necks of oppressors. 'When doing this, bring wet towels to protect yourselves from the police tear gas,' the particulars of the offence read.

This is contrary to Section 96 (a) of the penal code (cap 08:01) of the Laws of Botswana. Baeng was represented by Morris Ndawana of Ndawana and Company of Francistown while the state was represented by prosecutor E.M.Setshego. In an interview, Ndawana said their arguments were based mainly on consent with the prosecution. The application for bail was admitted on condition that Baeng will report to Mogoditshane Police Station (nearest his home), will not commit a similar offence, will provide two sureties in the sum of P2,000 each, will attend court mentions as and when required and that he will not interfere with witnesses, Ndawana explained.He is scheduled to appear in court in Ramotswa today where another bail application was to be put before court. Fully armed police officers manned the main gate of Serowe Magistrates Court and prevented union members from entering the premises. No more than seven union members made it through as police screened everyone.