Armed robber Mothusi Matomela clashed with Magistrate Goabaone Rammapudi-Lesedi at the Broadhurst Magistrate’s Court yesterday (Tuesday) during conviction proceedings, accusing the bench of violating his rights after being denied a food break.
Matomela—on trial alongside Thapelo Lekobe, Mzwandile Mazibuko, and Ntholepi Ntshalintshali for allegedly stealing P2.1 million meant for deposit into a First National Bank ATM in 2021—cut into the judgment proceedings to demand a health break. The quartet is accused of staging the high-profile cash-in-transit heist at Turnrite Shopping Mall, a case that has gripped the public since their arrest.
“May we please have a break of five minutes so that I can have a food break? It is already 10am. Now I have to eat for my health reasons,” Matomela asked.
Magistrate Rammapudi-Lesedi, however, stood her ground and urged Matomela to hold on a little longer.
“Can you wait for me for a minute or two? I am about to finish reading the judgment,” she said.
Matomela refused, insisting he could not wait any longer.
“I really need this break. It is my doctor's orders to always eat by 10am,” he said.
However, the magistrate did not budge, ordering Matomela to abide by her rules and allow her to finish reading the judgment.
Seeing that the magistrate was not about to yield he refused to wait, growing increasingly agitated and demanding the court adjourn for a food break. A visibly frustrated Matomela left the dock anyway, insisting that his rights "will not be violated".
“I won't allow my rights to be violated. I need to have my break, may the guards escort me to have my break, and the magistrate is not a doctor,” Matomela said.
With his family and attorney in attendance, the magistrate attempted to reason with Matomela to abide by the court's rules, ordering his attorney to contain their client.
But Matomela was not having it, forcing his way out of the courtroom to take his break, arm-twisting the magistrate to order a recess to allow for the break.
Coming from the break to continue with judgment, Magistrate Rammapudi-Lesedi ordered that the four accused were guilty of all charges they were facing.
The quartet faced charges of robbery, unlawful possession of firearms, unlawful possession of ammunition, and unlawful possession of stolen goods outside Botswana, whilst Mazibuko and Ntshalintshali faced an additional charge of entering the country through ungazetted points.
The magistrate stated that the prosecution was able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the crimes were committed.
“The court makes a finding that the state has proven its case against the four accused persons beyond reasonable doubt so the court finds you guilty on all five counts. The accused are now convicted,” she ordered.
She further ordered that the newly convicted quartet go for finger print-profiling and background checks for any other offences.
The case continues on August 28 for mitigation.
