Stocktheft suspects refused bail

PINI BOTHOKO
Correspondent | Monday May 21, 2012 00:00

Goitsemodimo Setume 30, who resides in Makobo, Lebalang Tshekiso 29 and Alek Matina 26, both of Jamataka were appearing for bail application before Senior Magistrate Thebeetsile Mulalu. Setume asked Mulalu to consider granting him bail to go and look for money, as there was no one to pay for him while he was remanded in custody. Tshekiso also said there is no way he can pay for his bail application while in prison.

Matina, just like his co-accused, asked Mulalu to consider his bail application because his parents were not working and there was no one to pay for his bail application. He said that he was the breadwinner in his family.

'Because I am in prison, there is no way my family can pay for my bail application. I am asking to be given an opportunity to go and look for money to pay for my bail application,' pleaded Matina. Mulalu asked Setume why he said he did not have money for the bail application when he managed to pay a lawyer in the matter. He went on to say that the trio would remain in custody and appear before court on June 1, 2012. The trio is suspected to have stolen four goats belonging to Alfred Moolowakgotla and slaughtered them at Jamataka cattlepost on March 25, 2012.

When they appeared for mention in April, Mulalu said the state's investigations in the matter were deficient to prove that they stole the goats in question. 'You are now free to apply for bail, each one of you should pay P500 and bring two people each to sign for you. They should each also pay P500, ' instructed Mulalu then.

Representing the state, Inspector Bailang Ntogang of Tatitown Police Station said they should not be given bail as they could interfere with investigations.  He told the court that Tshekiso and Matina were on bail for other offences when they stole the goats.