The Director of Public Prosecutions Hlalefang Motinyane has appealed against business man Tšeliso Nthane’s acquittal on murder charges by then acting Judge Palesa Rantara.
Nthane had been charged with the murder of his truck driver Mr. Kopang Mohapi. He was acquitted without being put to his defense on the grounds that the prosecution had dismally failed to provide enough evidence.
Former Justice Minister Advocate Kelebone Maope KC said, given the high levels of corruption among police and prosecutors, the nation was now in danger from criminals who are being allowed to walk free.
Other legal experts said Nthane should have been ordered to take the stand because it was not in doubt that the victim had been killed by a bullet which had been discharged from Nthane’s firearm.
Explaining her decision to acquit Nthane, Justice Rantara said that none of the Crown witnesses had testified that they saw him shoot Mohapi.