Free State police are yet to confirm revelations made in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on January 25, that Bayswater detective, Molebatsi Mogoera, and court orderly, Kagiso Chabane – both 40-years old - not only went through police disciplinary hearings for their conduct but have in fact been found guilty.

This allegation was made by crime analyst in the provincial office, Karin Jacobs, on the day that she was cross-examined by the policemen and businessman Stanley Bakili’s legal counsel during bail application proceedings. The crime analyst said she was reliably informed by a colleague that the men were found guilty in disciplinary proceedings and processes were underway to finalise their dismissal. Mogoera and Chabane’s legal counsel vehemently refuted Jacobs’ allegation, adding that their clients have not received any communication to that effect. The Bayswater detective’s legal counsel argued his client was, in fact, found not guilty for extortion, as there was no evidence that the detective received any money from the deceased.

Chabane and Mogoera are facing murder and extortion charges relating to the murder of the then Managing Director of the day hospital, City Med, who was gunned down in the basement parking area of Preller Square on 10 May 2018. The evidence tying the policemen to the crime respectively includes cell phone records, the location of a state vehicle, the rental of a vehicle from Avis, as well as the statement of the key witness in the matter, convicted assassin, Xolisile Mbebetho, who plead guilty to pulling the trigger that ended the Managing Director’s life.

OFM News has been informed the men will officially no longer be law enforcement officials once Provincial Commissioner, Moeketsi Sempe, signs off on the documentation. OFM News’ enquiries on the matter are yet to yield any results. The provincial police office is yet to confirm the outcome of the disciplinary hearings.

Bakili, Mogoera, and Chabane were dealt a blow on January 29, when Magistrate Marlene Marais denied them bail following proceedings that were delayed for months. Marais said in her judgment that the defense in the matter failed to show exceptional circumstances that support the accused’s release on bail. Marais maintained that it is, in fact, in the interest of justice that the accused be denied bail because the evidence provided by the state proves that all three men could attempt to tamper with evidence or intimidate witnesses.

The number of people accused of playing direct or indirect roles in the murder now stands at seven, with the state expected to hand over the final indictment soon. It is then that the matter will be transferred to the Free State High Court for trial. The 29-year-old repeat offender, Mojalefa Molusi, is expected to join Bakili, Mogoera, Chabane, disbarred legal practitioner, Karabo Tau (41), and Information Technology technician, Sizwe Mpati (36), in the dock on March 11.

OFM News