Category: Crime

Two drivers escaped with minor injuries after their trucks collided along the Chobokwane-Junction 44 Road on Thursday.According to the police, the horse and trailer driver is alleged to have lost control of his vehicle and hit the mini truck from behind and veered off the road.In an interview, Ghanzi police traffic officer, Superintendent Space Dalaza said the two trucks were from Namibia enroute Gaborone and South Africa where they were to deliver consignments.He said investigations were ongoing to determine the costs of the damaged goods.He warned drivers along the along the Trans Kalahari Corridor to drive with caution at all times as there were marauding animals along the corridor.

A heavily guarded metal door swings open. Entrance is restricted and monitored by guards.

As it shuts, the bang alone tells the story of confinement inside a maximum prison.

Inside, there are no chairs, no beds. Men in maroon uniforms sit on the cold concrete with their backs to the wall. All is utter silence.

The television set is switched off, and the cards they use to beat the wait for eternity or life have been surrendered.

This is Gaborone Central Prison’s death row inmate Cell 10. Its neighbour is Cell 11, which houses the overflow of death row inmates.

Above the cells’ dayroom, underwear dries on the rebar, layered with razor wire, like wilted flags of surrender.

The inmates, eight in Cell 11 and twelve in Cell 10, sit here, as it is the only place they get a touch of sunlight in a place starved of it.

Here, they see the sun for a moment and feel it from far enough to know it exists, but never enough to bask.

Some have been here for years, others for months. On all of them, remorse is written across their faces, but remorse changes nothing.

For some, appeals have failed, for others, pardon lingers, and hangman keeps a calendar known only to him.

“We know we have committed offences and we have accepted that. This is a punishment like any other. It is what the law says,” said Gobuamang Ntsuape, a man who has been on death row since 2022.

At some point, fear engulfed him, but he was comforted by the realisation that the law has to take its course, adding that the death penalty should be deemed like any other punishment, with no heavy escorts and sirens.

As for Thomas Moeng, convicted of murder in 2021, the waiting is not without questions and hopelessness over a judicial system that failed him, even on the verge of death.

“I did not file for an appeal,” he said, and his reason was that the period set for appeal had lapsed owing to a delay by the court in furnishing him with papers for his appeal, thus shutting the door on his appeal intention.

He believes that were it not for the delay in his case law, his sentence could have been overturned, adding that for his August 2021 conviction for a 2006 murder, the court relied on witness statements of deceased persons.

With the window of appeal shut, Moeng stands among the longest-serving inmates awaiting capital punishment, and knows his fate lies in the hands of the President, having been left by the previous President languishing in the dreadful Cell 10.

“Buisanyang le ba molao lo baakanye late filing,” he said, explaining that for capital punishment, accused persons should fall by their case merits, not legal technicalities.

Another challenge facing inmates is that some pro deo lawyers desert them after conviction, pointing out that their services covered only up to the trial.

This leaves inmates on their own, despite lacking the expertise to manoeuvre legal requirements to file an appeal case before court, at times, even if they try, they can still have their appeals not heard because they skipped some processes.

Among all the 20 inmates, not all have managed to have their appeals heard, but they are well aware that if fate had allowed, the Court of Appeal could have overturned their verdicts or even set them free. But that is water under the bridge. While other inmates have given up, Mooketsi Simba Mampori has opted not to give up. 

He is appealing to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR), whose jurisdiction extends to countries that have ratified the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the establishment of the court.

“I am done with the Court of Appeal, and only waiting for what could happen,” said the former Botswana Defence Force commando, further accusing prison officials of stalling the filing of his papers to the AfCHPR.

Another convict, Motlatsi Kgotho, has given up the fight and only waits for his day.

“We stay for a very long time here,” said the man convicted in 2023, adding he has shifted focus to fighting sugar diabetes amid medication supply challenges.

 As for Atlholang Mujangi, the cells can be dreadful until one accepts their fate, noting that those outside should think deeply on the issue of capital punishment.

“When you look at suicide cases, one wonders if the death sentence does not set our people’s minds to think that some problems can only be resolved by death,” he said.

A former police officer also known as Two Meter, Mujangi was convicted for the murder of a Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital nurse in 2014. While his life and those of fellow death row inmates lie in the hands of fate, he believes there is need to offer counselling for the immediate family members of the convicts after a sentence is passed.

The death sentence, he said, weighs heavily on immediate family members, noting his child could not afford to write Form Five examinations due to depression.

Casting light on why loved ones should be helped, through counselling, to come to terms with the fate of convicts, he reckons that since in most cases the offences in question are the convict’s only brush with the law, and that they usually lead lives free of offending while their trial unfolds, their sentencing brings about a lot of emotional trauma for their families.

In his case, during the period between the commission of the offence and his sentencing, Mujangi operated a public transport taxi for over seven years, a period during which he did not commit any crime, painting him to his loved ones as a family member in good standing, who only erred at some point.

The death row inmate partially blamed the training that recruits in the defence force and police service as contributing to cases of murder, alleging that they were trained to use force and violence, which can then introduce officers to such behaviour.

Although constrained within the prison walls, Mujangi believes those awaiting a date with the hangman can be of use to the fight against gender-based violence before their ultimate fate, as they would be talking from experience and having lived life as a perpetrator of the ill.

Currently, the country has about 20 death row inmates, most of whom are not repeat offenders, waiting for clemency or execution.

The deployment of the 23 Special Support Group (SSG) unit in Mahalapye symbolised the strength of national institutions and a collective commitment to safeguarding communities.This was said by Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Mr Moeti Mohwasa at the launch of a contingent of 23 SSG officers in Mahalapye on Monday.Mr Mohwasa said their deployment was strategic, given the village’s location along the North-South corridor, which made it critical for policing operations.He said they would also assist in responding to specialised incidents and natural disasters when necessary, stressing that their presence was meant to enhance security and not intimidate the community.“Our people, including children, must see the police as protectors and partners in building safe communities,” he said.He noted that the SSG already maintained a presence in Palapye, Jwaneng and Orapa, while base camps had also been set up along borders to combat crimes such as smuggling, stock theft, illegal migration and wildlife poaching, particularly in sensitive areas like the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.While the main SSG base remained in Gaborone, Minister Mohwasa said plans were underway to establish a fully-fledged camp in Francistown to strengthen operations in the northern region.He further assured the nation that despite current financial and cash flow challenges, the government remained steadfast in its commitment to maintaining peace, stability and national security.He emphasised that public security was central to national development, noting that safety and stability were critical in building investor confidence and creating an environment where businesses and opportunities could thrive.He said as a ministry responsible for governance, peace and security, they remained fully committed to ensuring that the safety of people continued to receive the attention it deserved.Mr Mohwasa highlighted that the government would continue investing in strengthening law enforcement capabilities, including enhancing partnerships within the Botswana Police Service and adopting modern technologies to effectively combat organised crime, criminal syndicates and emerging cross-border threats.He further underscored the link between security and economic growth, saying the government would continue engaging stakeholders to develop innovative programmes aimed at reviving, transforming and diversifying the economy to create sustainable jobs.For her part, Botswana Police Commissioner Dinah Marathe expressed appreciation to the Mahalapye community for its collaboration in advancing community policing efforts, adding that the deployment of the 23 officers would strengthen operations and improve response to crime.“These officers are trained and disciplined to advance community policing principles and promote public security throughout Mahalapye and its environs,” she said.Commissioner Marathe further acknowledged the government for providing the necessary resources to support the strategic deployment.

A mistaken identity murder stemming from witchcraft claims has left Ernest Legwale and Hamadi Mkhuha fighting a 40-year imprisonment sentence at the Court of Appeal.

Legwale and Mkhuha were sentenced by the High Court in 2024 for the murder of Thato Meswele on September 10, 2015 in Oodi. Meswele was the younger sister of Legwale’s wife, Dimpho. Legwale had allegedly hired Mkhuha and another person not before court to kill his wife and mother-in-law, believing that they were bewitching him. However, the hitmen mistakenly killed the young sister.

“This is an extreme case by all standards, it involves money and cold-blooded murder,” Court of Appeal (CoA) Justice,Tshepo Motswagole said on Wednesday.

“Your client is riding on someone’s belief in witchcraft,” Justice Motswagole added after listening to Mkhuha’s attorney, Letlhogonolo Makgane.

Mr Makgane had claimed that his client’s sentence was unprecedented and without justification.

The jealousy and aggression from Basimanebotlhe Mpotsang, which turned a night out with his girlfriend into a fatal tragedy back in 2011, has earned him a guilty verdict for manslaughter.

Gaborone High Court judge, Justice Bafi Nlandla, on Tuesday convicted the 44 year-old Mpotsang of Woodhall in Lobatse of the manslaughter of his

girlfriend, after being satisfied that the accused had admitted essential elements of the crime to which he had pleaded guilty.

As per the charge sheet before the court, Mpotsang unlawfully caused the death of Morwesi Gabaikangwe on  November 18, 2011 at or near Thema 1 in Lobatse.

Prior to the conviction, the court had heard that Mpotsang’s actions were sparked by insecurities about Gabaikangwe’s interactions with other men at a drinking spot.

According to the facts as presented by the state prosecutor, Ms Seeletso Ookeditse, the two who were lovers and co-parents of two daughters, were out on a night drinking spree on that fateful day.

But things turned sour when Mpotsang developed some insecurities, accusing Gabaikangwe of getting too close to other men who were also at the same drinking spot.

The entertainment continued until midnight when the drinking spot closed, but the confrontation between the two continued on their way home.

The court heard that an argument ensued, resulting in Mpotsang pushing his girlfriend into a trench, causing her to fall on her back and hitting her head against the trench’s wall.

The deceased managed to get up and they proceeded with their journey home where they slept. In the morning, when the accused returned to the house, he observed that the deceased had a bloody foam coming from her nose and had a swollen face.

“The accused person did not do anything about the deceased’s injuries and he proceeded to his workplace,” the court heard the facts, which he admitted.

During the day, the landlord, after being tipped off about the deceased’s motionless body on the bed, entered the house where the deceased was lying motionless, and the matter was reported to the police.

During the investigations, the pathologist formed an opinion that the cause of death was head injuries. Thus the state believed that the accused person owed a duty to care for the deceased, which he neglected.

The state prosecutor applied for his fingerprints to determine previous criminal records. Mpotsang, who works as a security guard, will appear for mitigation and sentencing on March 5

A 31-year-old domestic worker, Boitumelo Nchimako, who is charged with two counts of abusing a one-year-old baby by allegedly kicking and beating her to a point of collapsing, has been remanded in custody pending her bail ruling next month.

Nchimako who hails from Francistown and was employed as a domestic worker in Oodi in the Kgatleng District, pleaded with Broadhurst Magistrates’ Court Chief Magistrate Nthabiseng Merafe-Olaotse to consider her a candidate for bail on Tuesday morning.

“Ke na le bana, ke tshwanetse go ba tlhokomela,” she told court, explaining that she has children that she needs to look after.

However, Investigating Officer Constable Rebagamang Dario, argued that Nchimako was not a candidate for bail. Constable Dario pointed out that the offence which Nchimako was charged for attracted a custodial sentence, saying she could elude court proceedings if granted bail.

He also said the community was outraged by her actions, which could therefore put her life and safety at risk if granted bail. The 31-year-old accused was therefore ordered to remain in custody until March 9, when she will appear for bail ruling

The trio accused of gang raping a 13-year-old minor at Kgoro in Good Hope District on July 11, 2025 have been further remanded in custody.
‎They appeared before Lobatse Magistrates Court, senior magistrate Mr Tshoganetso Atamelang on Monday who further remanded first accused Wabile Mohlomi of Kgoro, 30, second accused Phenyo Khubitla of Good Hope, 19, and third accused 17-year-old minor of Good Hope charged with a single count of rape contrary to section 141 of the penal code of the Laws of Botswana.
‎Their incarceration was further extended to February 17, after Ms Vanzoline Machikiche for prosecution pleaded with the court that prosecution had completed investigations but needed to tie any loose ends on their part adding that the docket had been completed but they were left with gathering the video evidence as well as a statement from the social worker.
‎Regarding the accused bail application, Ms Machikiche said the prosecution shall avail the minor victim’s guardian to hear the bail application in line with compliance to the new Bail Act, section 15.
‎ “The prosecution intends to bring the complainant’s guardian, the docket is complete, the social worker will avail her report next week,” she said.
‎However, Magistrate Atamelang expressed that investigations were taking longer than expected before trial could commence.
‎He said the accused have been in custody and therefore did not interfere with the investigations. He thus urged prosecution to wrap up their investigation as he had given them sufficient time to do so, so that the matter could proceed to trial.
‎Both, Mohlomi and Khubitla pleaded with the court to grant them bail, promising that they will respect the integrity of the court process. Second accused maintained his plea with the court to release him on bail for him to be able to find an attorney, he reasoned that this was his first offense adding that he needed the services of an attorney.
‎Meanwhile, magistrate Atamelang reminded the accused that it was necessary to comply with the new Bail Act adding that the court needed to hear the position of the Investigating Officer and that of the complainant’s guardian regarding their bail application.
‎The trio will appear again in court on 17 February 2026.

Kgomokasitwa triple murder accused, Moagi Mokomeng, has been denied bail by High Court Judge Justice Oteng Motlhala of Gaborone High Court.

 Justice Motlhala reasoned that the suspect was not a candidate for bail, saying he had not demonstrated exceptional circumstances to qualify for bail as per the requirements of the new Bail Act, noting that it was incumbent upon him to show those circumstances. 

He further noted that evidence presented in court suggested there was a likelihood that he could hurt others if released on bail, and further noted that on balance of probability, there was evidence that he committed the offences. 

The 34-year-old soldier faces nine counts of offences, including murder, attempted murder, arson, and malicious damage to property.

Six Mexican nationals sentenced by the Extension II Magistrate Court to 12 months’ imprisonment and a P5,000 fine for entering Botswana illegally are on Interpol’s wanted list.

Passing sentence on Thursday, Chief Magistrate Ms Kamogelo Mmesi said an Interpol warrant links the six to alleged trafficking and dealing in illegal substances in Mozambique, despite their claims of ignorance of the warrant.

Ms Mmesi noted that, according to the warrant, the offences the accused faced in Mozambique could attract prison terms of up to 20 years if found guilty. She added that information before the court suggested the accused could be part of a major transnational criminal syndicate based in Mexico.

The magistrate said the court was therefore compelled to impose a punitive sentence that would serve as a deterrent to illegal entry into the country. She emphasised that entering the country illegally was a serious offence that compromised national security.

The law, she noted, prescribes a penalty of up to P10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years, or both, underscoring the gravity of the offence. Ms Mmesi said illegal entry not only violated the country’s security but was often associated with organised criminal activities, warranting a fitting sentence.

In mitigation, the accused pleaded for leniency, stating they were unfamiliar with Botswana’s laws and believed they were not required to stamp their passports upon entry. They told the court they were transiting from Mozambique to Mexico and were unaware that they were wanted by Mozambican authorities for alleged criminal activities.

They further argued that while in Botswana, they neither committed nor intended to commit any offence. However, Ms Mmesi pointed out that the accused’s passports showed they entered South Africa through OR Tambo International Airport from Mozambique on November 6, 2023.

“The convicts say they were in transit to Mexico but failed to state where they had been in two years,” she said adding that they only surfaced in Botswana in November, when they wanted their passports to be stamped, reasoning that such was omitted upon their entry into the country.

The magistrate ruled that failure to pay the P5,000 fine would result in five-year imprisonment term. She backdated the sentence to the date of their incarceration.

The six – Gumecindo Enrique, Jose Pena, Fansico Alejandro, Jose Corrales, Carlos Aguilar and David Teran, were arrested on November 25 last year together with a Nigerian national, Uchema Njoku (53), who has been charged with aiding and abetting crime.

The state was represented by Prosecutor Ms Keletso Kgati, while the six were represented by Mr Malcolm Ghoboza. Mr Njoku is represented by Mr Farayi Mahwite.