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Magistrate turns down murder-accused's plea for freedom

For illustration. murder.PIC.SHOUSELAW.COM
For illustration. murder.PIC.SHOUSELAW.COM

Murder-accused Daniel Lesitwane is at his wit's end as his plea to make bail and be free whilst he awaits trial or mention appearances, was turned down.

Lesitwane is accused of fatally stabbing Donald Melato, 32, with a sharp object during Dikhwaere competitions over the Boxing Day holiday at Goo Ragaobotse ward in Ramotswa. Melato was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

Appearing for a status hearing yesterday (Monday), Lesitwane was dismayed that he has had to endure a longer time in custody. “I am pleading with the court to be granted bail and wait outside. I promise I will show up at court when required to and even report myself at the police station. It has been a long time since I have been in custody,” Lesitwane pleaded.

The murder accused further stressed that his family depends on him for survival. “I am the sole breadwinner in my family because I am the only one who works. So with me in custody I do not know who looks after them,” he said.

Prosecutor Simon Galebonwe, however, contended Lesitwane’s submissions citing the seriousness of the offence levelled against the accused.

“This is a serious matter of murder and the community is still in rage. So, for safety reasons, we would like to keep him in custody,” Galebonwe said.

Galebonwe further highlighted that not only is it better to keep him safe but indicated that there are pending investigations.

“The matter is still awaiting post-mortem results as well as the forensic results, so with that, the accused should be further remanded in custody,” the prosecutor said.

Taking into consideration the arguments by both prosecutions and the accused, Magistrate Kaveri Kapeko further remanded Lesitwane in custody.

“You will get a chance to argue your bail application on January 27, and until then, you will be remanded in custody," Kapeko ordered. The case continues.
Editor's Comment
UDC's 100 Days: Please deliver your promises!

We duly congratulate them to have ousted the long ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) from power. Prior to taking power from the BDP, the coalition had made several election promises that are credited for influencing change and swaying the people to vote in its favour.The party had made an undertaking, which its leader and President Duma Boko consistently bellowed in his campaign trail. These undertakings were promises that Batswana would be...

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