The Botswana Police Service is providing 24 hour security to a woman who witnessed the brutal shooting of a police officer during an armed robbery in Kanye recently. Detective Assistant Superintendent Ranchi Olebile of Criminal Investigation Department CID in Kanye, who is the chief investigator in the case, told Kanye Magistrates’ Court last Thursday that they are providing 24 hour protection to a woman who witnessed the shooting.
“We resolved to protect the witness after she was visited by a certain man the day after the shooting. The man, believed to be Zimbabwean, went to her house and asked her what she had witnessed,” he said.
The three suspects have been remanded in custody and they will know whether their bail application has been successful this week. The suspects, Evans Mhiwatiwa (43) from Zimbabwe, security officer Gaofenngwe Seitiso (34) of Kanye and unemployed Thuso Tankomane (28) from Molepolole, appeared before Kanye Principal Magistrate, Janet Phosa charged with five counts  that include armed robbery, murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition as well as car theft.
When opposing the bail application, Olebile said the suspects should be remanded in custody because they may harm or threaten the key witness and interfere with investigations. Thus far, he said, they have confiscated only two pistols while the third pistol and the cell phone are still missing. He also told court that the getaway car belonged to the first accused while the second accused person took part in the killing of the police officer.
“The third accused person has pending cases at Molepolole magistrate court,” said Olebile.
He further told court that two other suspects are still at large and they are suspected to be Zimbabwean nationals. However, defense counsel Aobakwe Monamo said the prosecution has failed to show cause why the suspects should be remanded in custody.
“The court cannot remand the accused persons for no reason. It is not reason enough that the other two suspects are still at large, it is not their fault and they cannot suffer on that account,” he said.
Meanwhile police commissioner Keabetswe Makgophe declined to comment on whether the killed officer, Focus Isaiah was wearing his bullet proof vest on the day, saying the matter is under investigation.
