Maun Principal Magistrate, Gofaone Mosweu has remanded Solomon Setlhare, of Wenela ward in Maun, who has been charged for the murder of Gwanji Malatsi at a bar in Sanyedi ward on Saturday pending his bail hearing.
The 24 year old accused, who is facing a single count of murder, is alleged to have on the 10th August 2024 murdered one, Gwanji Malatsi at Sanyedi ward in Maun following a misunderstanding.
Appearing before court on Thursday, state prosecutor Dimpho Ogotseng pleaded for the accused person to be remanded in custody arguing that the case was at an initial stage. He pleaded for the accused person’s bail hearing to be done during the accused person’s next mention where prosecution will avail the investigating officer to give reason to why the accused person should be in custody.
The accused person whose plea was reserved opted to remain silent except to inform the court that he will engage an attorney.
Particulars of the offence are that on the 10th August at around 2300hrs, while both the accused and the deceased were at Slam Drunk Bar entertaining themselves and drinking alcoholic beverages a heated argument erupted over a client’s cellphone.
The argument between the duo, that once worked together as cellphone repairers, erupted after the accused person accused the deceased of mistakenly taking his client’s cellphone and money. It is said that Setlhare and Malatsi started fighting, however bar patrons are said to have separated them.
It is alleged that the accused person then went outside the bar, and the deceased followed him saying they were going to discuss the matter. It is further alleged that after sometime, the deceased came back inside the bar bleeding heavily, saying that he has been stabbed with an Okapi knife by the accused person.
Malatsi was certified dead on arrival at Letsholathebe II Memorial Hospital, while the accused was arrested.
The accused will appear on the 27th August 2024 for status update.
