COURT SENTENCES MENTALY SICK ARSONIST TO A WHIPPING

A 33-year-old man of Tsanekona settlement near Maun, who suffers from personality disorder, was recently sentenced to six strokes on bare buttocks for allegedly setting alight two houses belonging to his relatives.

Kepaletswe Jende was charged with two counts of arson after he reportedly burnt down Kelebogile Xwaaja’s hut that resulted in loss of property worth an estimated P55,800.

On the second count, he is accused of burning Dikeledi Saasa’s hut valued at P4,360.

The prosecution alleges that Jende went on his house-burning spree unprovoked.

According to Chief Magistrate Thebeetsile Mulalo, Jende was subjected to psychiatric evaluation which established that he suffers from an underlying personality disorder.

“For his trial, he was subjected to a psychiatrist analysis, which determined his mental state when committing the offence. It is established that he committed the offence due to the underlying personality disorder,” said Mulalo.

According to Mulalo, besides the disorder, nothing has shown that he is a harm to himself or the society.

“The accused person’s condition is worsened by his default in taking his medication and drinking alcohol. However, he appears to be lucid now,” added Mulalo.

Mulalo further explained that the offence of arson attracts a possible life imprisonment. However, since Jende had already spent nine months in custody, the magistrate added a non custodial sentence would serve in both his interest and the interest of the society.

“Due to his condition, it appears that he does not respond well to punishment. Custodial sentences will not serve him as he has already served some jail time. He is therefore sentenced to six strokes, which will be enforced after the doctor declares him fit to be punished,” ruled Mulalo.

Jende spent time in custody after his family members pleaded with the court to deny him bail as they feared he might harm them.