Former prosecutor back in court after allegedly facilitating unlawful release of an accused

3
Former prosecutor back in court after allegedly facilitating unlawful release of an accused
Former prosecutor back in court after allegedly facilitating unlawful release of an accused

Africa-Press – South-Africa. A former North West prosecutor charged with omitting information on a docket, which led to the unlawful release of an accused, has appeared in the Ga-Rankuwa District Court.

The case against Regina Letshoo, 48, a former prosecutor charged with defeating the ends of justice, was postponed to 8 February 2023 for disclosures and finalising the appointment of a presiding officer.

“The State is expected to provide Letshoo’s attorney with all the documents before pre-trial conferencing. The process of finalising the appointment of an outside presiding officer is also under way,” said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Henry Mamothame.

“This move is appropriate to avoid misconceptions of bias, as Letshoo was a state prosecutor in the cluster where the case will be sitting. The State is ready to proceed with disclosures to Letshoo’s new legal representative, as the previous one was withdrawn. She will remain out on a warning,” said Mamothame.

Letshoo’s court appearance emanates from an incident in August 2020, when she allegedly omitted information on a docket. A man was charged with possession of suspected stolen property after he was allegedly found driving an unregistered vehicle. Letshoo’s actions allegedly favoured the accused and led to his release and the matter being struck off the roll.

Mamothame said:

“It is also alleged that she was not scheduled to report for duty on that day as per the rotational schedule during the Covid-19 restrictions. A duplicate docket, which was kept by the chief prosecutor, was then utilised to re-enrol the case.”

Police are still searching for the man who was released.

Letshoo resigned from the NPA in September 2022 while on suspension.

For More News And Analysis About South-Africa Follow Africa-Press

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here