Assault accused granted bail
ANC YOUTH League (ANCYL) member Howard Seekoei, 34, was granted bail of R500 in the Galeshewe Magistrate’s Court yesterday after the State decided to pursue charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and pointing a firearm against him.
This was despite attempts by his girlfriend, the complainant in the matter, to withdraw the charges.
It is alleged that Seekoei, who is the senior administration clerk in the provincial Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, pointed a firearm at his girlfriend’s friend and assaulted his girlfriend on October 7.
Seekoei, who also has the support of the ANCYL Percival Jas branch as its preferred candidate for the position of ANCYL provincial chairperson, was arrested the day after the alleged incident and has been kept in custody prior to his successful bail application early yesterday afternoon.
In his affidavit, read into evidence by his legal representative, Chwaro Kgothlogemang, Seekoei stated that he would not interfere with witnesses, nor the investigation, should his application be granted.
He conceded to having paid an admission of guilt fine on a previous charge of corruption and apologised to the court for not disclosing this conviction when initially asked about his criminal record.
While the State wasn’t opposed to his release on bail, the prosecution was adamant that the charges against him not be withdrawn, despite attempts by his girlfriend to do so prior to the start of yesterday’s application.
With witness statements collected and the investigation nearing completion, Magistrate Benjamin September agreed that Seekoei’s release, pending the outcome of his trial, was in the interests of justice.
The presiding officer also emphasised that the final decision on whether to pursue or withdraw charges remained with the State and not the complainant.
“In a bail application, the fears of the complainant and the likelihood that the applicant may interfere with witnesses, should he be released, is a concern,” said September before setting bail at R500. “Bail is in the interest of justice.”