MAN ARRAIGNED FOR GIRLFRIEND’S MURDER
UNRULY YOUNG MAN BEGS COURT FOR MERCY
APPEARING before Chief Aleyo Ledimo of Maun on Wednesday, a young man who caused malicious damage to property begged for mercy, promising never to display such unruly behaviour again.
24-year-old Gontle Nkape further explained that he had gone to his ex-girlfriend’s house and ended up breaking windows out of jealousy.
“We were together in November to December, then in January she once again told me it was over. So, I was hoping that she would have a change of mind once more because ours had been and on-again, off-again relationship,” said Nkape, with tears streaming down his face.
Nkape had visited his 28-year-old ex-girlfriend, Orediseng Elija’s rented house at Boseja ward last week Thursday and caused a scene.
“I was with my friend and when I refused to open the door for him for fear that he might assault me as he used to, he smashed the window pane,” explained Elija.
Elija shouted for help and, when Nkape saw neighbours running towards Elija’s house, he fled.
“Ever since we parted, he has been abusing me and I live in fear of him,” explained Elija to the court.
Having already paid for and mended the window, Nkape initially thought the court would simply dismiss the case. He quickly pleaded guilty and asked the court not to proceed with the matter as he had already repaired the damage at the house.
“It does not work like that, sit down,” Ledimo ordered Nkape and went on to state that, since he had pleaded guilty, he could be sentenced to a five-year jail term, sending the young man into shock and panic.
“I beg you, please. Do not send me to jail. I have children and I was recently before the magistrate court over child support. I therefore pay monthly child maintenance through court,” pleaded the teary Nkape.
Trembling before the chief and showing remorse, Nkape further explained that he still loved Elija and that he was still struggling to accept that their on-again, offagain love affair had really ended for good.
Asked whether he did not have any other girlfriend, Nkape, to the chief’s utter shock, said he actually had two other lovers, one at Boseja ward in Maun and the other one in Gumare.
In the end, Kgosi Ledimo sentenced Nkape to be whipped six times on the bare buttocks with a cane. He further advised Nkape to stay away from Elija to avoid trouble and a possible jail term, which he obviously fears.
A 28-year-old man of Kubung Ward in Maun was recently arraigned before the magistrate court for allegedly stabbing his girlfriend to death.
Bokamoso Mazunga is alleged to have stabbed 23-year-old Doricah Thandi Segwe of Lekgwapheng ward, Molepolole at his house in Maun where she was visiting.
According to the charge sheet that was read in court, it is alleged that on the 4th of April, the police received a report from Goitsemang Poroga, the accused’s neighbour, to the effect that Mazunga was stabbing his girlfriend with a knife.
The police rushed to the scene and found Segwe lying in a pool of blood and took her to Letsholathebe Memorial Hospital where she was certified dead on arrival.
Mazunga, who had had fled the scene to go into hiding, was arrested a day later at a different location in Maun.
The prosecutor, Mmoloki Boshati, pleaded with the court to remand Mazunga in custody because the matter was still fresh. Boshati further revealed that the prosecution was not prepared for bail arguments as the investigating officer was still held up.
POST-MORTEM
“We have not availed the investigating officer: He’s engaged with the post-mortem, we will entertain the issue of bail in the next mention,” said Boshati.
Meanwhile, Maun Police Acting Station Commander, Tabengwa Magwama, has expressed concern of the seemingly increasing murder incidents in the village, highlighting that although this is a second femicide registered in Maun this year, it is worrisome.
“We always advise people to seek help when they have problems. The social welfare officers are there; we as police are always available, and there are many other institutions that offer psychosocial support. Killing is not a solution,” said Magwama.
The matter has been set for 22nd April for status update while Mazunga remains in custody.