Killer soldier in triple murder case pleads for bail to support his family
Moagi Mokomeng, the prime suspect in the shocking Kgomokasitwa triple murder case, pleaded for bail before the Lobatse Magistrate Court this week Tuesday.
Mokomeng, accused of fatally shooting three members of the Ramolala family in February 2025, argued that he is the sole provider for his mother and younger brother, whose school fees he pays. Before Principal Magistrate Tshoganetso Atamelang, Mokomeng made an emotional appeal, stating, 'Ka boikokobetsone ke kopa lekgotla le mphe bail, ke oka Mme, ke duelela nnake ditlhatlhobo, ga
ke le ko kgolegelong Mme, ga a bone tee,' pleading for bail on the grounds that his mother depends on him and that his remand disrupts his family’s well-being. However, his plea faced strong opposition from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) state counsel Modibedi Tladi.
He argued that the bail application came as a surprise and requested that the investigating officer be given an opportunity to present the reasons why Mokomeng should remain in custody.
Modibedi also informed the court that investigations were still ongoing although major progress had been made. The prosecution is currently awaiting forensic lab results and post-mortem reports for the deceased victims.
Mokomeng faces a total of nine charges, including three counts of murder for the alleged shooting and killing of Elizabeth Mosadinyana Ramolala, Katlego Ramolala and Arefa Ramolala at their residence.
The other charge is attempted murder for allegedly shooting, and injuring Sergeant Thabo Dibotelo, Threat to kill charge, for threatening to kill Happy Ramolala, Arson for allegedly torching the house of the deceased's grandmother Elizabeth, the three additional counts of malicious damage to property, including firing gunshots through a Village Development Committee (VDC) house occupied by
Thabo Dibotelo, smashing the window of Wathapelo Tiro’s house with a stone and shooting a white Hilux van belonging to Elizabeth Ramolala.
During the proceedings, Magistrate Atamelang noted Mokomeng’s right to seek bail but stated that the court needed to assess all factors before making a decision.
During the previous court appearance, Modibedi updated the court on the condition of Sergeant Dibotelo who sustained gunshot wounds during the attack.
Dibotelo has been discharged from the hospital and is recovering while on sick leave. He stated that his statement is yet to be recorded as part of the ongoing investigation.
Magistrate Atamelang told Mokomeng that in the meantime, he is given an opportunity to reflect on bail grounds. For now, Mokomeng remains in custody as the court considers his bail application.