FRANCISTOWN: Laone Gabaake, a farmer, and his herder, Poifo Gaofetoge, were denied bail in a case where they allegedly murdered farm worker, Oeteletse Ditathego, on Monday at Lekobeng settlement near Matsitama village.
Appearing before Magistrate Ditebogo Ntuli today (Wednesday), Gabaake pleaded for bail, citing his role as the breadwinner for his mother and children, expressing concern that no one would care for his family if he were further placed in custody. For his part, Gaofetoge indicated that he cares for his ageing grandmother. Prosecutor Olga Khumoitsile objected to the pair's bail and asked the case investigating officer (IO) to explain why bail should be denied. Detective Constable Makgetho Gaolape argued that the matter was still fresh, with Gaofetoge only arrested yesterday (Tuesday).
Gaolape further said statements from witnesses from the Lekobeng settlement are yet to be collected. “If the accused persons are granted bail, they might interfere with some of the witnesses,” he added. He further elaborated that on Tuesday when they took the deceased's family to the crime scene, they were visibly angry as the matter was still new. Gaolape indicated that granting the accused bail would provoke public outrage. Given the reasons cited by the IO, Ntuli further remanded the accused in custody. Gaabake and Gaofetoge will be back in court on September 19.
