My son died in my hands - father

Village Magistrate Court has remanded in custody four men linked to the murder of Timber City boss, Indian businessman, Jinesh Naik, who was shot dead in cold blood in Gaborone’s Block 6 suburb early last month.

The accused persons are Kitso Makati, Bonno Mogothe, Onkabetse Mogogi and Kitso Seiso. On the fateful day, the 25-year-old Naik’s life was cut short when he was just arriving at a family dinner to welcome one of his uncles who had visited from Zambia. The armed men appeared and shot him in cold blood before dragging his body inside the house where they tortured and robbed the rest of the family members at gunpoint.Prosecutor, Christinah Ramokwena of Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) pleaded with the court to further remand the accused in custody as the case is at an initial stage and police investigations are ongoing.

The prosecutor said the suspects also pose an element of danger to society. Magistrate Mompati Taolo indicated that the suspects have the right to be granted bail but explained that the court has to take into consideration the seriousness of the matter. The magistrate stated that the prosecution needs to be given time to do their investigations especially that the victim in the matter lost his life.He ordered that the accused be remanded in custody until their next mention next week Monday. Following the shooting, Jinesh’s father Hitesh Naik revealed to this publication that his son died on his lap as he begged the robbers to allow him to take his son to hospital.

Jinesh, who owned the Timber City store oppositee Airport Junction Mall, was certified dead upon arrival at Bokamoso Hospital.“We were in the house when Jinesh arrived at the gate and rang the doorbell. My brother’s wife opened the gate for him. He was coming from his house, which is also in Block 6. As he entered the compound an unidentified motor vehicle arrived and parked outside behind him. Three gentlemen approached from behind him and one opened fire and shot him from the back at close range,”said the father who was still shaking.

“My only son died in my hands. After shooting him they dragged him into the house and indicated that if we do not want more damage we should give them what they wanted,” he said, demonstrating where and how the incident happened and still trying to control his emotions. The robbers made away with cash and valuables worth thousands.