Men charged for possession of ivory

Lebogang Mosikare
Correspondent | Thursday June 6, 2013 00:00

 

Mbaakanyi Selalome (26) and Kebalekile Baiwa (65) reportedly did not have a certificate to show that the law allowed them to carry the ivory, said to be worth P10, 601.65.  Inspector Azhani Mokokomani submitted that the charge sheet be read to the accused and their pleas taken.  However, defence attorney Pelokgale Thato acting for Baiwa countered the state application.  She said she is yet to receive instructions from her client concerning the state application. The defence lawyer added that she needs time to consult with Baiwa since the prosecution had earlier on applied for the amendment of the charge sheet.

Molema set July 11 for the case management conference. Meanwhile, Zimbabwean Khesiwe Sibanda pleaded guilty to being found in possession of dagga weighing 49,7 kilogrammes on June 6, 2012 at Mandunyane village near Tonota in the Central District.Sibanda concurred with the prosecution that during her arrest, the police found her sleeping in a room that contained three sacks of dagga.  Upon questioning by police, Sibanda told them that the sacks belonged to her adding that she does not have a licence to have them in her possession.Inspector Paul Chaluza then applied for a brief adjournment for the court to go and view the dagga. After the adjournment, Molema said he was satisfied that Sibanda's plea of guilty was unequivocal and subsequently convicted her.The prosecution applied for time to go and check if the accused has previous offences.  Molema set June 13 for sentencing.