19 Jan 2023

Ghanzi Magistrate Court has remanded in custody, a 30-year-old man of Boseja ward in Ghanzi, who is charged for allegedly raping a four-year-old girl.

Oba Belem Belem is alleged to have on January 16 sexually abused the minor child at Mogobe ward in Charleshill.

The accused appeared before Magistrate Ms Keneilwe Thebeetsile on Wednesday and plea has been reserved.   

The court agreed to the request by the prosecutor, Sub inspector Shathiso Ngebani of Botswana Police to remand the accused person in custody.

Advancing reasons for the remand, the Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Kedibonye Botsalo said investigations were at infant stage and therefore granting the accused person bail was likely to jeorpadise their case.

Detective Cst. Botsalo added that the minor child was still admitted at Ghanzi primary hospital in a critical condition.

The court has also learnt that the accused person was a repeat sexual offender as he has a previous case of sexually abusing the same child.  

Detective Cst. Botsalo also told the court that since the case involved a minor child, the investigating team must engage social workers to assist accordingly.

The court has also learnt that the mother of the alleged rape victim has since abandoned her at the hospital.  

Belem has been remanded in custody and the case will mention on February 02. ENDS