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Investigations for a case in which a suspended employee of the Department of Broadcasting Service (DBS) in Maun, Gopolang Gabonatsela who is alleged to have shot and killed one Taolo Serapelano in a brawl over a horse in 2020 are said to be complete.
Updating court on the matter, prosecutor Maitshwarelo Thomas further indicated that the prosecution has since compared their dockets with that of the Criminal Investigation Department and that enough evidence has also been gathered for the accused person to stand trial.
When given a chance to comment, Gabonatsela who is currently out on bail preferred to not say anything. Presiding chief magistrate, Thebeetsile Mulalu thereafter made known to him that if all the necessary documents are complete on his next mention the case may be committed to the high court.
Gabonatsela was then advised to come prepared since the committal will automatically revoke his bail. He was however advised that he may apply for another bail before the high court after his remand.
Progress is finally being made on the case after the prosecution had previously indicated that it was delayed due to lack of forensic experts adding that the case took long as all stages of the report needed to be done thoroughly. The stages included ballistic examinations, correlation and interpretation from the pathologist.
Gabonatsela is facing a single count of murder after he allegedly killed Serapelano with a single bullet shot at the back of the head in 2020. This allegedly took place after he had previously warned the deceased for riding his horse.
The incident reportedly took place near Dauga cattle post where Gabonatsela, who was in company of a colleague had travelled to using a government vehicle. The duo reportedly met the deceased and his cousin Diphuka Kerepile riding on horses.
The 55-year-old is said to have then engaged in an argument with the deceased and it is reported that he then pulled him down from the horse with the intention to tie him but the deceased managed to set free and flee. Gabonatsela is said to have then shot him on the head as he tried to flee. The accused person will appear in court again on the 6th of June 2023.
