Extension 2 Magistrate Queen Moanga has set Thursday this week as the date she will hand down her rulling in the bail application by double murder accused Botswana Defence Force (BDF) soldier Mogomotsi Sepopa. This is despite the State not opposing his bail application.
Sepopa appeared in court this morning where he is facing a double murder charge after he allegedly fatally shot his wife Bogolo Sepopa and another female friend named Same Moapare last month.
The State prosecutor shockingly told the court that they will not stand in the way of Sepopa's bail despite the matter being relatively new. “We are not opposing the accused to be granted bail,” she said.
Seemingly shocked by the State prosecutor’s submission not to oppose bail, presiding Magistrate Moanga asked why the State was not opposing the bail.
State prosecutor responded by stating that she engaged with the investigative officer (IO) on the matter. “I have had the chance to confer with the IO who told me that the investigations are almost complete,” she told the court.
The State responded that instead the double murder accused soldier should be given strict bail conditions. “He should be granted bail provided that he pays cash bail of P2 000, provide two Batswana sureties who will pay P2 500 each, shall not interfere with State witnesses, shall appear when required to do so for court and must report himself once a week at a police station,” State prosecutor said.
The State further pleaded that Sepopa should surrender his travelling documents.
Despite hearing that both parties agree that the accused should be granted bail, Magistrate Moanga stated that she has the prerogative to exercise her rights to either deny or grant him bail.
“The court still has discretion even though you have agreed on bail conditions; I can still deny him bail or grant him one,” Magistrate Moanga emphasised.
Sepopa is to appear for his bail ruling this week on Thursday, August 10.
