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Date set for Motšomotšo case

 Tefo Tefo

THE case against Major Pitso Ramoepane who stands accused of murdering former army commander, Lieutenant General Khoantle Motšomotšo, will resume on 17 May 2018 with the prosecution responding to the former’s application to be released.

On Thursday, Senior Crown Counsel Lehlohonolo Phooko told the Senior Resident Magistrate, Phethise Motanyane that the prosecution was ready to present its response to court regarding the application made by Major Pitso Ramoepane to be released from prison in terms of the Speedy Court Trial Act.

Major Ramoepane applied to be released from prison under the Speedy Court Trial Act, which provides that a person should not be kept in detention more than 60 days without trial.

Major Ramoepane has been detained in the Maseru Maximum Security Prison since September last year after being arrested in connection with the murder of Lt-Gen Motšomotšo on 5 September 2017 at Ratjomose Barracks.

Brigadier Bulane Sechele and Colonel Tefo Hashatsi were also killed during the incident.

Major Ramoepane’s bail application was also rejected by the High Court judge Justice Molefi Makara early this year.

His lawyer had argued during the bail application before the High Court that Major Ramoepane was not present in the office in which the former army chief was shot.

Major Ramoepane has since switched his focus to fighting for release in terms the Speedy Court Trial Act.

And on Thursday Senior Magistrate Motanyane told him, “The prosecution says it will respond to your application on the 17th of May this year and therefore, your case is remanded to that date”.

He will also appear on that same date to face a charge of culpable homicide for allegedly shooting and killing one Thabo Selemo in Tšenola, Motse-mocha on 25 August, 2007.

Major Ramoepane first appeared before the Magistrate’s Court on 28 September, 2017 when the charges relating to the death of Lt-Gen Motšomotšo were preferred on him.

Major Ramoepane is also facing a culpable homicide charge for allegedly shooting and killing Thabo Selemo in Tšenola, Motse-mocha on 25 August, 2007.

 

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