Four men facing a single count of murder over a suspected stolen phone failed to appear before court this morning. The accused are out on bail.
The four men are; Thatayaone Motlhanka (40) a primary school teacher, 35-year-old soldier Kabelo Mokokota, Bakang Ranthoakgale, a Ngwaketse Land Board computer technician and 40-year-old self employed Aobakwe Mokokota. The quartet is accused of killing one Henry Gurupira after they suspected he had stolen their phone.
Scheduled in today’s roll call at Village Magistrate Court today for status update before Senior Magistrate Tshepo Thedi, the four accused and the State did not appear before the magistrate.
Seeking clarity to why there was no appearance from any of the two parties, Magistrate Thedi could not get clear answers from any prosecutors in the room as they said they are not aware of the matter.
With no representation from the two parties or instructions advanced in court, Thedi stood the matter down and postponed it to April 7 for status update.
The quartet was granted bail by Magistrate David Nkao in the absence of substantive Magistrate Thedi on January 9. Nkao then set the matter for March 17 for a status update, and involved parties were a no show.
The four men stand accused of killing Gurupira early this year at the Gaborone Bus rank over a suspected stolen phone. It is alleged that the quartet traced the phone to him and beat him, causing life-threatening injuries. Gurupira then succumbed to the injuries four days later at Princess Marina Hospital. The case continues.
