An African Murder Case
| Author | H. S. Elias |
| Published date | 01 October 1938 |
| DOI | 10.1177/0032258X3801100410 |
| Date | 01 October 1938 |
| Subject Matter | Article |
An
African Murder Case
Rex
v. Kgisiemang and Ratsie
By H. S.
ELIAS
Bechuanaland Protectorate Police
ON
Christmas Day 1930 areport was received that a well-
known farmer and trader in the Lobatsi district of the
Bechuanaland Protectorate had been murdered. Iimmediately
proceeded to the scene of the crime, accompanied by the
Medical Officer. From examinations made by the Doctor
it
was ascertained that the deceased had met his death by being
struck over the head with some instrument, probably an axe
or knobkerrie. Ashot-gun was found on a table in the store
where deceased met his death.
Deceased was found lying on the floor of the store on
his stomach, his left arm under his chest. His lower dentures
were found behind the door.
The
floor was covered in blood.
The
till had been wrenched off and taken outside the store
and left in a bush about 75 yards from the store.
The
South African Police dogs were requisitioned, and
the dog
II
Hertzog"
and bitch
II
Iris"
arrived 36 hours after
the crime had been committed. Hertzog was given scent from
the till, which in the meantime had been covered up with
galvanised iron.
The
dog worked a trail of about seven miles
towards a native hut near a village. At one
hut
which was
standing alone the dog picked out Accused No.
1.
A search
was made of the hut, and an overcoat was found which had
dark stains on the outside.
This
was taken out into the light
and examined.
While I was examining the overcoat the wife of Accused
No. Isaid to me that the stains on the overcoat were made
by the blood of a calf that they had killed. I asked her, who
said that I was looking for bloodstains? I am afraid she gave
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