Chris Theko
The ‘Skupu’ hit-maker, Rethabile ‘Dj Rochester’ Lekometsa became a free man after languishing for about six months in a South African gaol until he was released by the Klerksdorp Magistrate Court on Friday.
Rochester was arrested on the third day of June in the North West Province town, Klerksdorp by the South African Police Department (SAPS). He spent over five months in prison with charges of assault, reckless driving and resisting arrest while investigations were being conducted.
He appeared before the Klerksdorp magistrate court on 12 November 2021 where it was anticipated that he would at most be granted bail however, to his family’s relief he was set free when the case was dismissed.
According to his brother, Likopo Libe, who is also a Deejay known by his alias ‘Licozdadj’, the case was officially dismissed by court for lack of evidence.
Libe thanked Basotho for being willing to assist the family financially and otherwise towards the release of his brother.
There was a challenge of finances for the family to get Rochester a proper and independent legal representation and with the help of some young concerned Basotho, a crowd fund was set up where the public was asked to donate.
“We wanted to help him towards getting bail so that he could at least come home even if the case was to continue but we were facing a mammoth task of putting together money towards his legal fees, family did not have a lawyer.
“So with the help of Basotho we managed to raise some money though it was not enough because we could not reach the amount the lawyers wanted, yet we are still grateful for those who reached out in all forms,†Libe said.
He indicated that for now Rochester remains in South Africa where he is currently staying with a relative while waiting for his car to be cleared from police impound.
“He has to come home and we believe in a week’s time, he will be with us in the country. At the moment he is waiting for his car to be cleared so that he comes home with all his equipment,†said Libe.
According to the brother, Rochester had been on a trip to South Africa as part of his plans to pursue working relationships when he was unfortunately mistaken for a thief and subsequently arrested.
Furthermore, he mentioned that Rochester is set to seek legal advice on which path to take after being arrested and put in jail for no reason.