Wanted man denies he is wanted

PINI BOTHOKO
Correspondent | Saturday May 25, 2013 00:00

Onkemetse Mbeme (27) of Tutume stormed The Monitor offices last week with a face registering both puzzlement and anger at whoever put him on the programme as he said he was not a missing suspect as alluded in the police series.He said that he was not on the run as the police show claimed, arguing that he has been diligently attending court mentions and was given bail on November 19 last year.

Mbeme showed The Monitor a bail letter dated 19/11/2012 from Administration of Justice, Serowe Magistrate Court, as proof that he has not absconded from justice.As the letter reflected, Mbeme said he has been reporting to the Tutume Police Station in his home village following the court order.'I was shocked on Sunday while watching Itshireletse show when I saw my picture aired as a wanted suspect.  'It is a bad image to the public because I have never given the police and court any problem regarding my case and wonder why they did not confront me before airing such a clip on such a popular show on national television, ' said Mbeme.

Mbeme said he might be a suspect but has the right to privacy since he has been following orders ever since he was arrested.He said that even the investigating officer in his case who is based in Lobatse has his contacts and knows where he resides in Tutume if indeed he was a wanted suspect.Mbeme said he appeared at the Serowe Magistrate Court on December 18 last year where even the presiding magistrate did not question his adherence to his bail conditions, but rather told him to appear again for another mention on February 26.

Tutume Police Station Commander, Vusimusi Jorowe could not deny or confirm whether Mbeme has appearing for mention at his station, but referred this publication to the police public relations officer, Christopher Mbulawa.For his part, the Lobatse police Station Commander, Superintendent Robert Mack said indeed they wanted Mbeme and cannot disclose what they wanted him for until they have located him.'I cannot disclose the case which we want him for now. The investigations are still ongoing and only after we have located him will we be in a position to disclose anything to you,' said Mack.'He should tell you the truth about all the offences we listed on the clip and stop denying those offences, ' said Mbulawa.