Murder accused Daniel Sitwane, 34, is a free man after his prayers were answered following numerous bail applications before the Extension II Magistrates' Court recently.
In an unusual manner when appearing for a status update before presiding Magistrate Kamogelo Mmesi, Sitwane started with a prayer hoping that the magistrate would grant him bail.
“Today, I hope that the Almighty will help me and give me the wisdom and strength I need to be given bail. I have been praying about this for a month now without sleeping well,” Sitwane said. Taken aback by the accused's utterance, Magistrate Mmesi jokingly prompted Sitwane to try a little harder as she was not easily swayed.
“I want to say you are going to work harder than that; it is not going to work on me,” she said bursting into laughter.
Proceeding with his bail plea, Sitwane stated his wish to be granted an opportunity to wait for trial whilst on bail. He argued that it had been months since his incarceration.
“I plead that I may be given bail so that I wait for trial outside. I promise I will not interfere with any investigations; I will abide by the bail conditions and show up at court when required to,” pleaded Sitwane.
Furthermore, the prosecution this time around, did not counter Sitwane’s bail plea and left it all to rest on the presiding magistrate to decide. Prosecutor Simon Galebonwe, however, said investigations are still ongoing.
“We are still awaiting the forensic affidavit, post-mortem report, and the photo album,” Galebonwe said.
With the powers vested in her and she alone, Magistrate Mmesi set the accused free despite earlier jokingly saying Sitwane’s prayers would not work on her.
“The accused is granted bail with a sum of P1,000 for recognisance. He should provide two Batswana sureties at P1,000 each, report himself once a month at Gaborone West Police Station, and lastly appear in court when required to do so,” she ordered.
Sitwane 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 last year. Melato was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
The case continues on April 16.
“Today, I hope that the Almighty will help me and give me the wisdom and strength I need to be given bail. I have been praying about this for a month now without sleeping well,” Sitwane said. Taken aback by the accused's utterance, Magistrate Mmesi jokingly prompted Sitwane to try a little harder as she was not easily swayed.
“I want to say you are going to work harder than that; it is not going to work on me,” she said bursting into laughter.
Proceeding with his bail plea, Sitwane stated his wish to be granted an opportunity to wait for trial whilst on bail. He argued that it had been months since his incarceration.
“I plead that I may be given bail so that I wait for trial outside. I promise I will not interfere with any investigations; I will abide by the bail conditions and show up at court when required to,” pleaded Sitwane.
Furthermore, the prosecution this time around, did not counter Sitwane’s bail plea and left it all to rest on the presiding magistrate to decide. Prosecutor Simon Galebonwe, however, said investigations are still ongoing.
“We are still awaiting the forensic affidavit, post-mortem report, and the photo album,” Galebonwe said.
With the powers vested in her and she alone, Magistrate Mmesi set the accused free despite earlier jokingly saying Sitwane’s prayers would not work on her.
“The accused is granted bail with a sum of P1,000 for recognisance. He should provide two Batswana sureties at P1,000 each, report himself once a month at Gaborone West Police Station, and lastly appear in court when required to do so,” she ordered.
Sitwane 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 last year. Melato was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
The case continues on April 16.
