Tripple murder accused Botswana Defence Force (BDF) soldier, Moagi Mokomeng, has challenged the testimony of one of his alleged surviving victims, police officer Thabo Dibotelo. Mokomeng is alleged to have shot and injured Dibotelo on his right leg during the horrific shootings back in February.
Mokomeng is facing a total of nine charges inclusive of the three murders of Elizabeth Ramolala, Alefha Ramolala, and Katlego Ramolala from the Kgomokasitwa. Other charges include attempted murders of Happy Ramolala, Dibotelo, arson and malicious damage to property.
Appearing before court this morning, the state brought forward the victim Dibotelo to oppose the bail application by Mokomeng. Taking the stand, Dibotelo relieved the horrific ordeal before court pleading with the court that the accused soldier should not be granted bail 'by all means. '
“ I pray that the court will not release Mokomeng on bail because if he is released on bail we don’t know his intentions and also my life would be in danger,” Dibotelo said.
Dibotelo told the court that he fears for his life because he survived the wrath of Mokomeng by a whisker as he was baying for his blood.
“The accused person shot me on the right leg that is why I say my life is in danger and right now I have even moved from Kgomokasitwa to Moshupa,” Dibotelo said.
Presented a chance to cross examine the victim, Mokomeng accused the officer of lying under oath arguing that he never shot him at all.
“I hear you telling the court you were shot on your, I want to know which leg and with what?” asked Mokomeng.
In response Dibotelo stated that he was indeed shot by the accused on his right leg with a gun but did not know the make of the gun.
Further questioning the witness, Mokomeng was not convinced by Dibotelo’s testimony.
“I doubt that you have been shot on your leg. I don’t believe it at all; I don’t believe it and have you recovered?” probed Mokomeng.
Dibotelo stood by his word despite Mokomeng’s pestering.
“I have not yet recovered and you did shoot me that’s the truth,” Dibotelo submitted.
Meanwhile, Dibotelo revealed that he knew Mokomeng from a defilement case he was investigating him from December 27, 2022 after he received a report from Thandie Ramolala that her daughter had been defiled.
It is the same case that it is alleged to have set Mokomeng on a killing spree after he was served with court papers that the matter will be heard soon.
Regarding the bail application, Magistrate Tshoganetso Atamelang denied the applicant bail alluding that it is still relatively a fresh matter and he should allow the Ramolala family to mourn their loss.
Appearing before court this morning, the state brought forward the victim Dibotelo to oppose the bail application by Mokomeng. Taking the stand, Dibotelo relieved the horrific ordeal before court pleading with the court that the accused soldier should not be granted bail 'by all means. '
“ I pray that the court will not release Mokomeng on bail because if he is released on bail we don’t know his intentions and also my life would be in danger,” Dibotelo said.
Dibotelo told the court that he fears for his life because he survived the wrath of Mokomeng by a whisker as he was baying for his blood.
“The accused person shot me on the right leg that is why I say my life is in danger and right now I have even moved from Kgomokasitwa to Moshupa,” Dibotelo said.
Presented a chance to cross examine the victim, Mokomeng accused the officer of lying under oath arguing that he never shot him at all.
“I hear you telling the court you were shot on your, I want to know which leg and with what?” asked Mokomeng.
In response Dibotelo stated that he was indeed shot by the accused on his right leg with a gun but did not know the make of the gun.
Further questioning the witness, Mokomeng was not convinced by Dibotelo’s testimony.
“I doubt that you have been shot on your leg. I don’t believe it at all; I don’t believe it and have you recovered?” probed Mokomeng.
Dibotelo stood by his word despite Mokomeng’s pestering.
“I have not yet recovered and you did shoot me that’s the truth,” Dibotelo submitted.
Meanwhile, Dibotelo revealed that he knew Mokomeng from a defilement case he was investigating him from December 27, 2022 after he received a report from Thandie Ramolala that her daughter had been defiled.
It is the same case that it is alleged to have set Mokomeng on a killing spree after he was served with court papers that the matter will be heard soon.
Regarding the bail application, Magistrate Tshoganetso Atamelang denied the applicant bail alluding that it is still relatively a fresh matter and he should allow the Ramolala family to mourn their loss.
