… Granted bail amid funeral plea
Relebohile Makhetha
In a case presided over by Magistrate Pontšo Janki yesterday, Lempe Molia of Ha Nqheku Balimong Nazareth appeared in court charged with culpable homicide and traffic violations.
The charges stem from a December 15, 2023, incident in St. Michael, where Molia allegedly struck and killed 9-year-old Bohlale Setenane with his silver Honda Fit.
Prosecutor Moetsi Tšolo stated that delays in the case were due to difficulties locating Molia, as police visits to his home proved unsuccessful.
Defence counsel Maphake Ramotsokoane explained that Molia recently lost his father, whose burial is set for November 30, 2024. The defence argued for leniency, citing Molia’s role as the family’s breadwinner and primary funeral arranger.
The prosecutor noted that Molia had missed his initial court remand, reportedly due to a Sesotho concert in Quthing, which he claimed was his source of income.
Tšolo criticised Molia for wasting court time before accepting responsibility for his actions.
Acknowledging the burial circumstances, Magistrate Janki granted Molia bail, set at M500, with a surety of M5,000, payable in cash or secured by property of equivalent value.
Molia is scheduled to return to court on December 10, 2024, for trial scheduling, as the prosecution has indicated readiness to proceed.
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