05 Aug 2025

A 42-year-old Gaborone man convicted of raping his daughter has maintained his innocence despite the court’s verdict.

The man, whose names cannot be disclosed to protect the child’s identity, was convicted by Magistrate Jobbie Moilatshimo of Broadhurst Magistrates Court on Monday. He will appear for sentencing on August 14. During his mitigation, the man told the court that he was wrongfully convicted and asked the magistrate to consider his claim of innocence during sentencing. He highlighted his involvement in his children’s lives, stating that he had cared for them alone for over six years.

The man claimed that he had taken the child to live with him after discovering she had not attended school for three weeks. He explained that he had taken her in despite living with two other men, stating that it was the best decision he could make for the child’s wellbeing. He also told the court that, apart from the said incident, he had been a good father to his children, never raising his voice against them or harassing them.

In another rape case, a 36-year-old man from Tsolamosese, Rebaone Marks has pleaded guilty to one count of rape and stealing. The accused allegedly had carnal knowledge of a woman without her consent in Tsolamosese on May 10, 2023. He is alleged to have also stolen her phone and handbag, which had in it the complainant’s identity card, bank card, a sum of P200, perfume and clothing. 

The case was however, postponed to August 19 for facts reading after the accused pleaded guilty to the two charges. Magistrate Moilatshimo also admitted the accused person to bail, for which he had pleaded on the grounds that he was undergoing medical treatment. He was admitted to bail on condition that he paid P2,000 and provided two sureties who would each bind themselves with P2,000. He is also required to report to Mogoditshane Police Station for fingerprinting before the next court appearance. ENDS