Four Kanye men behind the kidnapping incident
Four suspects Tebego Moahi (41), Karabo Potsoeng (28), Otsile Mosala (32) and Tlotlo William (26) of Kanye were arraigned before magistrate Onkarabile Mokone of Broadhurst court on Tuesday on charges of kidnapping and robbing a Chinese woman, Qianqian Song. The suspects had also robbed two other women - Thabiso Janet Oabile and Felistus Keeletse - of cell phones valued at P22 000 combined, after they had also stolen a Toyota Runx car belonging to Lorato Basiamang at the University of Botswana. The prosecutor Mmapatsi Tshimologo pleaded with court to deny the accused bail as they were only arrested last week Friday and investigations are still fresh. Tshimologo argued that emotions of victims are still high and also they are still trying
to reach other witnesses therefore releasing the suspects would be a travesty of justice. In an effort to make court understand why the accused need to remain in detention, investigating officer Modiegi Rakgabeng detailed events leading to the arrest of the suspects. He said they received a report on the 13th of November 2022 that three women were attacked and robbed at BTF Furnishers and one kidnapped.
They were told that three men entered the store and there was one wearing a dress. On the same day, the relatives of the kidnapped lady Qianqian Song received a call with demands that the family pay a ransom of P900 000 to secure the release of Song. Through Song’s help the police figured that one of the cars used by the suspects was rented. When interrogated, the car rental owner said Moahi, the first
suspect, had rented the car. The police tracked down Moahi and through his help, were able to arrest the other three in Kanye. Defense attorney Ofentse Khumomotse argued that the state was unlawfully detaining his clients. He said it has to be proven beyond reasonable doubt that if given bail, the suspects will not attend court or flee.
He argued that his clients should be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Khumomotse asked why the state had taken long to question their possible witnesses. He stated that five days, from day of arrest this week Tuesday, was a long time for the applicants to still be doing investigations.
“Give us a list of witnesses and tell us not to speak to this people, simple,” he said. Bail ruling was expected Tuesday afternoon at the time of writing.