Valentine on the rampage

2003-02-18 22:15

Zenzele Kuhlase

Piet Retief - A love-struck soldier who skulked off for drinks because he wasn't able to see his girlfriend on Valentine's Day has been accused of shooting and injuring a fellow soldier.

Dekobe Percival Montsho, 29, allegedly refused to join his fellow soldiers on their regular patrol at the Mahamba border post with Swaziland near Piet Retief last Friday.

Montsho comes from Upington in the Northern Cape and allegedly said he wanted to be on his own because he couldn't be with his girlfriend.

"He allegedly left the camp and went drinking," said Mahamba police investigating officer, Inspector Cornelia Buthelezi on Tuesday.

Later that afternoon Montsho allegedly began shooting single action shots at random, sending Mahamba residents scattering for cover.

"He became increasingly aggressive and allegedly changed from single to automatic fire when he saw an army armoured vehicle approaching."

One of the soldiers in the vehicle was hit twice in the face.

Montsho was not asked to plead on charges of attempted murder and malicious damage to property when he appeared before the Piet Retief magistrate's court on Monday.

He was refused bail and was remanded in custody until his formal bail application on March 7.

In his statement to police Montsho allegedly claimed he had had psychological problems since he was involved in a car accident in 1995.

Investigations continue. - African Eye News Service

- News24