Newly-elected Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) COUNCILLOR, ORATILE SEGOSAPELO along WITH RE AGA TAUNG CIVIL ORGANISATION (RATCO) CHAIRPERSON, MODISAOTSILE LEBITSE FOUND GUILTY OF COMMON ASSAULT.

Newly-elected Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor, Oratile Segosapelo along with Re Aga Taung Civic organisation (RATCO) chairperson, Modisaotsile Lebitse were found guilty of common assault by Taung Regional Court on Wednesday.

Segosapelo and Lebitse were given a R4000 fine or sentenced to six months imprisonment. Magistrate Buti Zulu said the sentence will be suspended for five years in condition that any of the accused is not found guilty of the same offence.

They were also prohibited from possessing or owning a firearm.  Segosapelo and Lebitse were arrested back in 2018 after they assaulted the Baga-Phuduhucwana Tribal Authority Chief, Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane during a peaceful march.

They led a peaceful march where they submitted a memorandum to the Baga-Phuduhucwana Tribal Authority offices demanding that Mankuroane be dethroned from his chieftaincy position.  

Segosapelo and Lebitse in memorandum alleged that Mankuroane’s administration was marred with corruption, fraud and maladministration. Lebitse said then that there were so many challenges such as divergence in land allocation, selling of land to foreign nationals, businesses operating in Taung without following legislation measures and projects stoppage.

He also said the Taung Cultural Calabash event continues to benefit the few only. Lebitse further said the overlapping responsibilities especially on the land have resulted in conflicts between the two authorities, local and traditional.

However, there was a tumult and the police were called where Segosapelo and Lebitse were arrested.

The defence attorney, Isang Nakale said he will appeal the case.

“Truly, we will be appealing the matter because in our submission, we believe that the conviction is neither premised nor factual on legal sound reasons. You will realise that the court did not even give reasons why the accused are found guilty of common assault.  

“Over and above, there are inherent contradictions from state witnesses, their statements and evidence placed before court. Also the medical evidence submitted meditates against the findings which the court has arrived at.”

Meanwhile, Segosapelo and Lebitse still maintain their innocence and said they had never raised a finger against Mankuroane.

“I still maintain that what was presented in court is nothing but far-fetched. I have realised that our justice system is not trustworthy because what has happened is not the true reflection of the matter.

“This matter is politically motivated because they know that I have been sworn-in as EFF councillor. Now, there is a witch-hunt propagated against me.  I always stand for the truth and I have represented our community of Taung well as an activist,” Segosapelo said.

Lebitse also shared the same sentiments. He said they are steadfast in their mission and want to see Taung being under good leadership and administration.

“What I remember is that, on that day, I didn’t even see Mankuroane. So, I am gobsmacked that I am accused of common assault. It is so heart-breaking to see our justice system doing this especially to poor people.

“In my view, the justice system only favours the elite. However, I will continue to fight for the rights of our people and Taung will be free from the corrupt. I also want to appeal to our courts to be wary of being used by the elites to violate poor people’s rights,” he said.