Court sentences small stock thief to five years
25 Jul 2025
The Tatisiding Customary Court has sentenced Israel Case from Maitengwe to five years imprisonment for stock theft.
The sentence was delivered by Kgosi Simon Nkgageng on July 24 after the accused pleaded guilty. According to the charge, Case stole a doe (female goat) belonging to Mr Fanikiso Mafa on July 7 and subsequently slaughtered it.
He was arrested on July 23 following a tip-off from members of the community and police found him with the remaining goat carcasses. The carcasses were submitted as evidence to court alongside a disposal certificate (BP 129) from the Magistrate Court.
During sentencing, Kgosi Nkgageng emphasised that stock theft, particularly involving small stock, was on the rise in the village and that strict penalties were necessary to deter such crimes.
In mitigation, Case asked the court for a lighter sentence, stating that he is the sole caregiver for his one child. However, due to recent amendments to the penal code, stock theft cases now carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, regardless of whether the offender is a first-time criminal. Sergeant Charles Silas of the Botswana Police Service prosecuted the case. ENDS
Source : BOPA
Author : Thamani Shabani
Location : Tatisiding
Event : Court case
Date : 25 Jul 2025
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