15 Apr 2021

Charges against Moeladilotlhoko News Boiler Crew have been withdrawn.

The Six Moeladilotlhoko News Boiler crew being Mr Tshepho Sethibe (31) director, Ms Michelle Teise (29) news reporter, Mr Denis Khwinana (30) Graphic Designer, Mr Gosego Phohusetso (24), Security Officer and Tshireletso Badubi (28) transporter, first appeared before Serowe magistrate court on seditious charges on March 1.

They were charged with seven counts of criminal trespass contrary to section 305 (1) (a) of the Penal Code of laws of Botswana. It was said the accused unlawfully entered various yards with intention to intimidate and annoy the residents.

The statement of the offences, which was read before them, stated that at Thabala village acting together with common purpose unlawfully printed, offered for sale, sold, distributed t-shirts written ‘Bring back Obakeng’ and uttered the same words through a public address system, with intention to bring hatred and to excite disaffection against the Administration of Justice of Botswana and promote feelings of ill will and hostility between classes of the population of Botswana.

This followed 37-year-old  Obakeng Badubi’s disappearance.

Thabala-born Obakeng went missing on January 04.

The accused allegedly entered the yards belonging to Mogotsi Gaefele, Oboeleng Keonnetse, Gototwang Kebaganne, Bankagi Banthobogile, Ditshotego Banthobogile and Kagiso Letswai.

After being released from court, yesterday the prosecution assured the crew that they would get their properties’ which were seized during their arrest.

The prosecution said they were still furthering investigating and may call the accused back to court should they find something tangible concerning the matter.

In an interview after court, the Director of Moeladilotlhoko, Mr Sethibe, known as Uncle of the Nation, said they would continue with their daily duties.

Mr Sethibe thanked Batswana who had been supporting them during the tough time and promised to keep on giving the nation interesting news. Ms Teise known as Rakgadi said they appreciated the support Batswana rendered to them. Ends