Two men accused of a violent tuck shop robbery in Sehitwa have been remanded in custody following their first appearance before Maun Magistrates’ Court this week.
The accused, Wabuya Onalenna aged 28 and Saul Masukula 30 both from Botshabelo Ward in Maun, face a single count of robbery following an incident that occurred on August 11, 2025.
According to police reports read in court, the duo allegedly stormed a tuck shop in Sehitwa village armed with an axe and a knife and attacked the owner before fleeing with cash amounting to P10,000 and other valuables worth P4,950. The suspects allegedly used a blue Volkswagen Golf, registration B 303 BSF, as their getaway vehicle.
Their attempt to escape was short-lived as they were apprehended later the same day at Shashe Bridge in Maun. A search reportedly yielded P5,763 in cash and several cell phones believed to have been stolen during the robbery. Investigations are still ongoing, and the prosecution told the court that a detailed summary of evidence and exhibits would be submitted in due course.
In a dramatic twist, it emerged that one of the suspects, Onalenna, is no stranger to the courts. During the time of his arrest, he was out on bail for a separate armed robbery case dating back to January 11, 2024. In that matter, Onalenna is accused of acting with an accomplice, Serekiso Tefo aged 24 of Boseja ward also in Maun, to rob a Security Services Cash-In-Transit vehicle at New Mall in Maun.
The pair allegedly pounced on guards who were preparing to deposit P139,000 belonging to Trident Cash and Carry in front of First National Bank (FNB). Police investigations in that case led to the recovery of a pepper spray gun and over P135,000 in cash, believed to be proceeds of the crime.
During court proceedings before Magistrate Gofaone Mosweu, the state strongly opposed bail for both men, citing the seriousness of the crime, its violent nature and the risk of reoffending. The state also argued that releasing the accused persons would endanger public safety and undermine confidence in the justice system.
The magistrate subsequently remanded the two men in custody pending further investigations. They are scheduled to appear again on August 28, 2025, before Chief Magistrate Thebeetsile Mulalu for a formal bail application.
