02 Feb 2017

The trial of a Gaborone West resident Kamogelo Basime who is accused of cutting another’s tongue commenced on January 30 with two witnesses giving evidence.
In her testimony, the first state witness 35 year old Bonthati Mmereki of Sau ward in Thamaga who is also the complainant in this matter told the court that during the day of the incident on May 14 she went to  Phuthadichaba Bar at Thamaga with one Kedibonye and Selebatso to entertain themselves.
She said while there Selebatso had her head bowed down saying out of curiosity she lifted it up.
She noted that Selebatso told her to stop as she had a headache saying she did stop as was ordered.
She further said the accused then came closer to her demanding to know why she lifted Selebatso’s head, saying that is when they started arguing and before she knew it Kamogelo had already cut her tongue together with her lower lip.
The first witness also said by then people were screaming that her tongue had been bitten off and reported to the bar owner who took her to the police station.
She said while at the police, the cut was heavily bleeding hence she was taken to Thamaga Primary Hospital and later referred to Princess Marina Hospital.
At Princess Marina, the complainant said the doctor who was attending her told her that there was nothing they could do, that it was impossible to stitch back the piece of tongue that was cut off.
Meanwhile when asked if she had any questions for the first witness, the accused could not ask any. She was further reminded by the court that by not asking questions it means she agreed with what the witness has put forth.
The second state witness, 27 year old Selebatso Neo also residing at Sau ward in Thamaga told the court that she knows the accused as they are neighbours.
She said on that day while sitting on a chair the complainant came over to her and pulled her hair, saying she told her to stop as she normally had a constant headache.
Selebatso stated that the accused came closer to the complainant and quizzed her why she pulled Selebatso’s hair, additionally saying that is when the two started arguing with the accused slapping the complainant across her face and in a short time cutting off her tongue.
When she was supposed to cross examine the second witness, the accused further said she did not have any questions for her.
The trial before Molepolole Magistrate Lindiwe Makgoro will continue on February 21 this year.
The prosecutor is Sub -Inspector Moshe Karabo of Thamaga Police .The accused is charged with causing grievous bodily harm. ENDS