Lobatse High Court Judge Michael Mothobi on Thursday granted bail to two suspects involved in the death, during a soccer match, of Ishmael Moseki and warned them against physical violence during the period ahead of trial.
Kgololo Lesotlho, Mabogo Lesotlho and Montwedi Molefe are accused of killing Moseki in a football pitch frenzy in Ledumadumane, during a game between Mmopane and Ledumadumane Swallows.
Kgololo and Mabogo were arrested and remanded in custody but Molefe is still on the run.
“I have taken into consideration the grounds submitted by the applicants and the non-opposition stance as granted by the respondents as well as the conditions adhered to the bail. But most importantly I would like to emphasise on a condition that touches over the commission of crime and in particular an offence in which physical violence is an element by the applicants,” said judge Michael Mothobi.
What started as a normal soccer game turned ugly when supporters of the contesting teams were incensed by the referee’s handling of the match, with each team accusing him of supporting the other team.
The whole saga culminated in a fierce battle between the supporters of the two teams with fingers pointing at Kgololo, Mabogo and Molefe for spearheading the fight.
Representing the applicants, Enock Mazonde pleaded with the court to grant the accused persons bail on grounds they are not a flight risk and will attend all trial dates.
“The state is also not against the new development,” Mazonde added- an assertion even admitted by the state prosecutor Modibedi Tladi.
Against this backdrop, Mothobi granted the bail.
Besides providing a bond of P5, 000 each, Mabogo and Kgololo were asked to provide two sureties each valued the same prize and to report at Sir Seretse Khama police station once every Friday during working hours and surrender their travel documents.
