Defence lawyer Dick Bayford said the state is in contempt of court because the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) disobeyed an order by Village Chief Magistrate, Lot Moroka on statements and evidence. The magistrate ordered the DPP last Friday to provide the defence with witness statements and all the documentary evidence it intends to use in the trial. The state was given up to Wednesday this week to give Bayford and another defence lawyer, Tebogo Sebego all the documentation. But Bayford told Mmegi yesterday that they have not received anything from the DPP. The case is set for trial on November 10, 12, 20 and 24 and December 2,3 and 4. "We have not received anything from the DPP," said Bayford.
Last week principal state prosecutor, Priscilla Israel told Moroka prior to his order that the DPP is not yet ready to supply crucial evidential material. She said the material is still in South Africa and must be brought into the country through diplomatic channels. She added that this was going to require some time and there will be a delay before the documentation arrives in Botswana. Mmegi has been reliably informed that the investigating team in the case has linked up with South African police for the arrest and extradition of more suspects. Contacted to comment on the contempt charge by the defence team, the deputy director of DPP, Phadi Solomon could not respond to Mmegi's inquiry as she was reported to be locked in a meeting.
