STAYING PUT
Alleged gun thief shoots away bail chance
WHILE most suspects are willing to dig deep into their pockets for bail money to spend as little time in prison as possible, an alleged gun thief told court he was happy to wait for trial behind bars.
Charged with house-breaking and theft, when appearing before Molepolole Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, Gaolatlhe Baitsemang, 34, did not apply for bail.
“I have no problem staying in prison until police complete their investigations,” said Baitsemang, who was only arrested last Thursday.
The youthful Molepolole man is accused of breaking into a dwelling in Goo-moitoinyana ward sometime between 2nd - 23rd February (exact date unknown) and making away with a gun worth P30,000.
The crime went unreported for almost three weeks as the gun’s owner had been keeping the weapon at his sister’s place and did not realise it was missing.
The gun was eventually tracked down to Kotolaname lands, where the homeowner was keeping it for his son, who in turn claimed he had received it from Baitsemang.
During Tuesday’s arraignment, the prosecution announced they were still on the lookout for two more suspects in connection with the case: including a former convict named Rapula Matlhatso - although prosecution were unable to provide any details of his previous misdemeanours.
It was further revealed Baitsemang has been in trouble with the law before for stealing, although prosecution, again, failed to back this up with exact details, much to the Presiding Magistrate, Solomon Setshedi’s annoyance.
“He is also a suspect in a robbery case for which he has been on the run. In that case, the exhibits are ammunitions and a gun, the matter is also registered before this court,” disclosed Investigating Officer (IO), Kemiso Muzila.
In the end, Magistrate Setshedi gave the prosecution 14 days to record statements and complete their investigations - but not before rebuking them for failing to investigate the matter thoroughly before registering it in court.
Ultimately, everyone left happy, including Baitsemang, who was carted off to jail as per his wish. He returns to court on 25th April.