State's key witness thrown out in Setlampoloka case

Judge Dambe yesterday agreed with the defence to end Makhombe’s participation in the case, following the witness’ numerous failures to appear before court on scheduled dates. Makhombe was a suspect arrested with Setlampoloka in July 2009. Six police officers are charged with kidnapping, torturing and killing Setlampoloka, who was a suspect in a spate of armed robberies. Yesterday, Dambe said enough was enough. “The witness’ evidence shall be rendered irrelevant to the case. It is time we close and finish the case. It cannot be held back by one person,” said Dambe.

As the State’s key witness, Makhombe had already had damning claims that he was present when Setlampoloka was allegedly strangled to death. Makhombe said he had witnessed Setlampoloka’s body being carried off to be dumped in the bush.