Attorney says police bribed witnesses

Kgosietsile Ngakaage, an attorney representing David Modise, in the murder case of former Fairground Holdings Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mike Montshiwa, has accused the police of bribing witnesses to incriminate his client.

Modise was Montshiwa’s lawyer before the former chief executive met his violent end in a hail of gun bullets. Ngakaagae made the shocking revelation on Monday when Modise appeared for the second time since he was granted bail in December. He said the bribery happened after Modise was re-arrested by the police at G-West police station on the 9th of this month (January) when he went to report to the police as per the bail condition.

He was immediately held in custody and his cell phone confiscated. Police then went to search at his house and workplace, argued Ngakaagae. He said that this past weekend his client’s housemate was also taken in by the police for interrogation where he was promised money amounting P15 000 so that he could give evidence that would incriminate Modise.

“He is not the first person promised money if he changed evidence in line with investigations. Two people were also promised P15 000 and it seems to be the standard for his (Modise’s) head,” explained Ngakaage adding that they took the matter with the police commissioner.

“Police should be reminded that my client is an accused not a suspect in this matter because he has not been charged. He still has a right to remain silent and cannot be forced to talk especially during pain or torture,” he said.

Responding to the accusations levelled against the police state prosecutor, Ernest Mosate said police did inform Modise during that day about their search warrant.

“They told him they have to do things at his home. His privacy is being compromised by virtue of being the accused,” said Mosate adding that he was surprised by the accusations made by Ngakaagae towards the police. “I do not know what is intended but I am worried and this cannot be taken lightly. This tarnishes the good image and reputation of the police,” he said.

According to Ngakaagae his client was even threatened by the police during the interrogation. “They said to him re tloga re go vala, ga re tshabe go vala di lawyers.” Magistrate Ike Raphael has set mention for February 23.