Double murder accused, Mogomotsi Sepopa's bail application has been further postponed because the investigations officer (IO) and the substantive prosecutor were not available. As a result, Presiding Magistrate Queen Moanga of the Extension II Magistrate's Court further remanded Sepopa in custody.
Sepopa, 35, is accused of killing his wife, Bogolo Sepopa and another woman named Same Moapare. It is alleged that Sepopa shot and killed the two women.
Prosecutor Botho Gobuamang apprised the court that she is not the substantive prosecutor for the double murder case. Giving an update, she stated that she has been told by the IO that they are currently busy with investigations.
“I have been told that the investigations are still at an infant stage by the IO. This is also a double murder and the investigations are still going to be long,” she said.
Gobuamang further highlighted that the IO and the substantive prosecutor were not available for court therefore they cannot further deliberate on the case. However, Ofentse Khumomotse who was appearing for Mogomotsi made it clear that they would like to make a bail application for the accused.
“I would like to place my bail application for the accused,” Khumomotse said.
He argued that failure to bring the IO to court should not be an issue in their case.
“They have not brought the IO to speak against the bail application and yes this is a double murder and the investigations are still ongoing but this discontent is not based on any legal documentation,” he said.
After hearing the two sides in court this morning, Magistrate Moanga decided to postpone the matter because of the unavailability of the IO and substantive prosecutor.
“I want the substantive prosecutor to come and oppose bail because she is not in the country and Gobuamang is just standing in for her,” the magistrate said.
Moreover, Moanga further remanded Mogomotsi in custody.
“Let's adjourn court and come back on Monday next week so that the substantive prosecutor will be available for the court and hopefully she does bring the IO for this case,” she said.
The accused will appear on August 7.
