Murder accused's hopes for bail dashed
Monday, March 03, 2025 | 1090 Views |
Daniel Sitwane with police officers
He is accused of fatally stabbing Donald Melato, 32, with a sharp object during dikhwaere competitions over the Boxing Day holiday last year at Goo Ragaobotse ward in Ramotswa. Melato was pronounced dead upon arrival at a local hospital. Appearing before the Extension II Magistrate’s Court last Friday, Sitwane made his fourth bail application before a different magistrate after his previous attempts were unsuccessful.
The accused argued that granted his wish he will abide by all the bail conditions set for him. “I am pleading that I be granted bail, it's been long. I will even move from Ramotswa where the crime occurred and come live in Gaborone far away from the family,” he said, adding he has lost a lot of things whilst in prison, as he hustles for a living. However, prosecutors strongly opposed his release, citing that the accused has been explained to why he can’t be granted bail at the moment. “The issue of bail was discussed in the last session. It was established that the family be given time to grieve before he gets out,” Prosecutor Simon Galebonwe reminded the court. With no luck once again, murder accused Sitwane was further remanded by Magistrate Kaveri Kapeko who was holding fort for substantive magistrate Kamogelo Mmesi.
It is a warning flare to every Motswana who logs onto social media. As a country, we have reached a point where the line between robust debate and outright destruction has become dangerously blurred. At face value, Mabeo’s response, which seeks an apology and threat of a defamation suit, might seem severe to some. But we cannot ignore the context. The comment in question did not offer a policy critique or question a political decision.It...