Extension II Chief Magistrate, Kamogelo Mmesi has ordered that the University of Botswana (UB) murder accused Bantshuti Nkgarapi (37) be taken for a psychiatric evaluation at Sbrana Psychiatric Hospital after denying him bail.
Nkgarapi stands accused of the brutal murder of his girlfriend Magadi Mokganelwa aged 47 at UB on June 16. He is alleged to have fatally stabbed her before her co-workers in broad daylight at the university premises.
Delivering her judgement on the bail application made by the accused, Mmesi stated that it is far too early for the accused to be granted bail.
She emphasised that it has been less than a month since Mokganelwa was killed in cold blood but the accused is already seeking bail.
“The accused has been in custody for less than a month, so we cannot say he has been there for far too long and prosecution were right saying that the matter is still new,” she said.
Further advancing her reasons why the accused should languish in custody, the Magistrate said the mondus operandi leading to the demise of Mokganelwa clearly shows the accused is not a candidate for bail.
“The accused was ordered to refrain from abusing the victim and a restraining order was issued by Mochudi Magistrate in April and eight days later he came before this court having threatened to kill her and was granted bail on May 7,” Mmesi.
She added, “Weeks later on June 16 he is accused of murder of the victim and all this happened in a space of two months. This is very clear that the accused has no regard to the rule of law.”
The Magistrate further stated that Nkgarapi cannot be granted bail as the public might be baying for his blood and granting him bail will equate to sending him to a lion’s den.
“Emotions are still high of the victims family as well as the public. It would not be in the best interest for the accused because the public is still appalled therefore you will be remanded in custody until investigations are complete,” she said.
Moreover, Mmesi emphasised that the victims are still receiving counseling as per prosecution’s assertion in court and their statements are yet to be recorded, so keeping him in custody is in best interests of them.
“Your bail application is therefore dismissed,” ordered Mmesi.
On mental referral, Mmesi indicated that the assessment would help in establishing whether the accused is sound enough. When appearing in court, the accused is always wearing his smile despite the charge he is facing.
“I will order that you be taken for a psychiatric assessment to assess your mental fitness to see if you are fit for bail and the court will consider bail after the evaluation and police complete their investigations,” she ordered. The case continues on August 18 for a status update.
