23 Sep 2020

Francistown Chief Magistrate, Ms Faith Dlamini – Ngandu on Tuesday postponed to October 13, a case in which Member of Parliament for Tonota, Pono Moatlhodi, and his co-accused, Nnyana Kebitsang are accused of assault.

The decision to postpone the case was taken after the prosecutor, victim and victim’s guardian failed to appear before court.

The parties (prosecution and accused persons) were to update the court on progress of the proposed reconciliation process.

Standing in for the prosecutor, Inspector Kenneth Edward of Botswana Police Service, asked the court to postpone the matter to another date with the hope that the prosecution will be in attendance to give an update on the reconciliation process.

As for the reconciliation terms, Moatlhodi and Nnyana had agreed to pay the victim P40 000 in compensation and the duo were expected to update the court on whether they had paid the first installment of P15 000 as per the settlement agreement.  

The other two installments of P12 500 each will follow in   October and November to settle the agreement.

Following clearance of the compensation which will be done in installments, the prosecution will then apply for withdrawal of the charges levelled against the accused persons.

It is alleged that Moatlhodi and Nnyana subjected the 11-year-old boy to inhuman treatment in January 2019 in Tonota.

The duo are accused of assaulting the victim for allegedly stealing mangoes.

They are also alleged to thereafter unleashing a dog to bite the victim causing him puncture wounds and bruises on his face and body, an act which is in contrary to the Children’s Act.

The two accused persons’ attorney, Mr Martin Maeba, did not oppose the postponement. Ends