22 Mar 2022

Double murder convict, Wakgotla Mosimanewakgang’s fate is in the hands of Justice Michael Leburu of Gaborone High Court.  

Justice Leburu will, on April 14, rule whether there were extenuating circumstances in Mosimanewakgang’s case.

The 35-year-old Mosimanewakgang has been convicted for the murder of his girlfriend, Ms Naledi Hisang and her one-year-old daughter, Motlalepula Hisang on September 9, 2011 at Seole cattle-post in the Southern District.

 When advocating for a lesser sentence on Monday March 21, defense attorney, Mr Sesupo Masaka, told the court that the convict’s immaturity, unsophisticated lifestyle and provocation contributed to the crime.

“The said provocation took a longer period on the accused by the deceased, who was then his girlfriend. Therefore, we submit that these factors be taken collectively,” he said.

Mr Masaka said the convict lived an unsophisticated lifestyle as he had been a herd-boy throughout his life and was never exposed to urban life. 

As such, he said the rural background contributed to the crime.

He said Mosimanewakgang was 25 years old when he committed the crime, therefore he was still immature. 

Mr Masaka said the convict could still be rehabilitated and consequently contribute to the country’s development

According to the court records, Mosimanewakgang was previously convicted of causing grievous bodily harm and sentenced to three years imprisonment of which two were suspended on account that he did not commit a similar offence.

 However, Mr Masaka said the convict’s record was not aggravating, adding that he had been cooperating with the prosecution since 2011.

 “He has been living knowing that he had to answer for this crime since 2011, like they say, the spear has been hanging over his head ever since 2011 and he said to himself, I will still be answerable until the matter is final,” he added.

Furthermore, Mr Masaka said the convict was a father of three children who were all under seven years and was taking care of their mother and his elderly mother. 

He said if the convict was sentenced to death or a longer period behind the bars, his dependants would also suffer.

However, the state prosecutor, Mr Farayi Mahwite said if the court could find that the convict was provoked to commit the offence, there was no reason for him to kill the deceased’s daughter, Motlalepula. 

“This man before you my lord does not deserve leniency,” Mr Mahwite said. Ends