Break-in, theft suspect stabs cop
Lebogang Mosikare | Tuesday September 12, 2023 06:00
According to the charge sheet, Olebogeng Bayani, 34, allegedly stabbed Constable Thabang Kaisara with a knife on January 14, 2022, at Gerald Estates. Bayani allegedly committed the act while being escorted by the police to his home as part of a search procedure. This followed Bayani being implicated as a suspect in a case involving a break-in and theft from a tuckshop in Gerald Estates.
The police report states that during the escort to Bayani's residence for the search, he entered the house and proceeded to stab Kaisara on the cheek with a knife before fleeing. He was later apprehended in Selebi-Phikwe on Thursday.
During Bayani's court appearance before Magistrate Thapelo Buang on Friday, Sergeant Jacob Handly requested that the plea in the matter be reserved pending the completion of investigations. Handly also sought to amend the charge sheet to include a charge of absconding from court. The court learnt that Bayani had only appeared in court once after being charged with assaulting a police officer before escaping, following his implication in the tuckshop break-in and theft case.
'We managed to arrest the accused in Selebi-Phikwe yesterday (Thursday) where he faces other criminal charges. We request that the accused be remanded in custody pending the finalisation of this matter, as we fear that he may abscond from attending court sessions again,' Handly said. In response to Handly's request, Bayani claimed, 'I was arrested while at work and I didn't have the opportunity to get my clothes and identity document.
I also pray that I should be given the statements of witnesses in this matter.' Magistrate Buang remanded the accused in custody until the finalisation of the matter because he was a flight risk. If found guilty, Bayani could face a prison sentence of up to five years. Bayani is scheduled to appear in court for a Case Management Conference on October 24.