Accused blames attorney for prolonged stay in prison

Gaborone, — The accused in the 2015 Moshupa ‘cooler box’ murder, Tumelo Mogotsi, clashed with his attorney in the Gaborone High Court on Thursday, accusing him of being responsible for his prolonged time in prison.

However, Mr Philimon Leitshamo advised him to act in an orderly manner and get his act together, as his behaviour could be detrimental to his case.

“Wa siya o sa bolo go mpaya mo toronkong lebaka le kana, nna ga ke itse sepe ka maragaraga a,” he said after Justice Oteng Motlhala adjourned the matter to October 12 for a ruling on the admissibility of the confession statement he made before a judicial officer.

Mogotsi, who is charged alongside Thabo Ntwayakgosi, is charged with the 2015 murder of Oteng Magang, whom they are alleged to have robbed of the cooler box and stabbed to death outside Dladleng Entertainment Centre.

The first accused person, who was a student at Mmanaana Junior Secondary School, and his co accused , are now contesting the confession statements they made before the judicial officer, saying they were young and were forced by the police to confess to the crime.

During a previous court appearance, Mogotsi complained to the court about his legal representation, blaming him for his prolonged stay in prison.

The case has been scheduled for October 12 for a ruling on the admissibility of the confession statement, and October 19 to 20 for the continuation of the trial.

Prior to the adjournment, prosecution attorney Mr Moagi Ndlovu told the court that the state was left with only two witnesses and it was his belief that two days would be sufficient for the case.

The second accused person, Ntwayakgosi, is represented by Ms Claudinah Rendo. BOPA