Magistrate refuses to try suspect

Extension Two Magistrate, Abigail Masawi yesterday refused to put a man facing a single count of threat to kill on trial, pending psychiatric evaluation. Masawi said the accused has exhibited signs of insanity since his arrest.

Robert Chatayika from Zimbabwe, is alleged to have muttered the words "I am going to kill you with my bare hands" to his landlord on October 8, 2012 in Tlokweng. Chatayika, who seemed restless, appeared in court cuffed and shackled due to his previous psychotic behaviour in court.

During the proceedings, he  constantly interrupted the magistrate and demanded that he be accorded a trial as he is sane. He promised not to be a threat to the court and asked that he be given a chance to plead his case.Furthermore, Chatayika, who has since pleaded guilty to the charge, read a letter of apology for his previous behaviour, stressing that he was overwhelmed by emotion as the prosecution seemed to be delaying his trial, accusing them (prosecution) of disrespecting the court as they had not appeared in court for six consecutive sessions. 

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