18 May 2020

Molepolole Magistrate Court has granted conditional bail to Lentsweletau farmer, Reuben Tema who is facing a single count of human trafficking.

Tema, who appeared before Magistrate Refilwe Resheng is accused of recently trafficking a 12-year-old Zimbabwean boy into Botswana. 

He was ordered to pay P5 000 and produce two Batswana sureties and is expected not to communicate with one Amos Monyane and further adhere to mention dates set by the court.

Tema is jointly charged with a Zimbabwean national, Nkosinathi Moyo 33, for trafficking the Zimbabwean boy into Botswana from Jocholo village in Zimbabwe.

A holding charge revealed that Tema and Moyo on or about February this, acting jointly and in consent transported the boy from Zimbabwe to Letswatswa lands near Lentsweletau for purpose of exploitation by employing him as herdboy

Directorate of Public Prosecution principal public prosecution counsel, Mr Enock Mahwite did not object to the conditional bail, stating that his release would not impede police investigations since the victim had been taken to a safe place.

“Although we did not object the bail, it is important that we understand that the offence committed is one of the most serious the country is dealing with and need to be dealt with as such,” Mr Mahwite said.

The accused’s defence counsel, Mr Gabaikanngwe Kebalepile pleaded with the court to allow the accused to continue running his business because he was a farmer selling his produce in Gaborone.

As such, Magistrate Resheng ordered the accused to ensure that his movements were authorised by the investigating officer.

Human trafficking cases carry a fine not exceeding P500 000 and imprisonment term not exceeding 25 years or both.

Tema and Moyo are expected back in court on June 11. Ends