Francistown — A 40-year-old herd boy who allegedly hacked a friend to death with an axe appeared before a Francistown Magistrate this week charged with murder.

Willy Kaizer Ncube, from Zimbabwe, allegedly killed his fellow countryman after a heated argument that ensued during a drinking spree at Lephiri lands in the outskirts of Francistown. In court, the suspect was read the charge but his plea was reserved pending police investigations.

Representing the state, Goodwill Makofhi from the Directorate of Public Prosecution, pleaded with the court that Ncube be remanded in custody, noting that police investigations into the murder case were still in progress. He feared that Ncube might flee the country, since he had no recognised place of residence in Botswana.

But Ncube asked the court to allow him to go and lock his house and also collect his money, which he left behind at the time of arrest. He also told the court that his employer was not aware of the arrest, fearing that the stork he was taking of was likely to go astray.

Principal Magistrate Lorraine Makati-Lesang, however, ordered the accused to be remanded in custody until next week when he will appear again for mention.