Two of the five suspects implicated in the alleged robbery of a Matlapana couple early September this year have pleaded with the Maun Magistrate’s Court to have their bank accounts unfrozen.
Facing two counts of robbery, the accused persons are alleged to have robbed a 60-year-old woman residing in Matlapana money amounting to P53 500 and property worth P256,000. On the second count they are alleged to have robbed the old woman’s 68-year-old husband property amounting to P52,000.
The accused persons who have also been linked to a string of robberies of a similar nature across the country are identified as Releseng Tshekiso (30) of Old Naledi, Thuso Manuedi (40) of Bontleng, Lloyd Lone Matlhaga (26) of Gaborone West, Thabang Molosiwa (25) and Ishmael Mfo (27).
The bank accounts which belong to Molosiwa, Mfo and Manuedi were frozen by First National Bank (FNB) after prosecution traced a trial of money which was transferred from the victim’s bank account. The money was reportedly transferred into Manuedi’s account and was later transferred to that of Molosiwa’s account who then further transferred it to Mfo’s bank account.
Appearing before Maun magistrate Gofaone Mosweu this week, Molosiwa and Mfo pleaded with the court for an order allowing them access money that has been in their account before the suspected stolen one was credited into their accounts. They pleaded that they are currently unable to service their financial obligations and take care of their families because the money have since been frozen.
The duo suggested that prosecution cash out the suspected money and allow them to access theirs which does not form part of the case.
In her response Mosweu however notified the accused persons that she cannot deal with the bank account issue as prosecution has made a different application. She advised them to also make a different application regarding the matter.
Particulars of the offence are that on the first count the accused persons robbed their first victim, Katherine Ives money mounting to P53 500 which they transferred to themselves through cellphone banking. They went on to rob the victim property worth P256,000. On the second count they robbed the old woman’s husband, Martin Ives by forcefully stripping off his property worth P52,000. On committing both robberies the accused persons are said to have been armed with crow bars, knives, short logs and wearing balaclavas.
Around August this year the suspects are said to have robbed two people on two different occasions in Gantsi before proceeding to Maun where they committed robberies a case which is not yet before court. Their last stop was in Otse village where they robbed one per- son and were later arrested. Particulars of the offence are that on the first count the accused persons robbed their first victim, Katherine Ives money mounting to P53 500 which they transferred to themselves through cell phone banking.
The accused persons who are currently all out on bail will appear on the 25th April 2025.
