13 Aug 2025

A defence attorney says prolonged psychological assessments are causing psychological stress on his client.

Therefore, Mr Joseph Carter pleaded with court to promptly conclude assessments and reports be shared with the defence to facilitate the adjournment of the matter of his client, 23-year-old Gontlemang Segolodi of Maun.

Segolodi, who appeared before Magistrate Gofaone Mosweu of Maun Magistrate Court for a status hearing, faces terrorism-related charges.

“My client has been subjected to these assessments for over six months and it is now complicating his daily living. Everything should be completed as soon as possible and all reports be shared by the next hearing,” he said.

He questioned the detainment of his client without a charge arguing that suspects should only be detained after being formally charged hence the request for a detailed report outlining events from the onset.

For his part, Assistant director of public prosecution and head of international cooperation and cybercrime unit, Ms Merapelo Mokgosi pleaded with court to consolidate the case files, which was originally registered under case number 47, however due to miscommunication the file was mistakenly registered as a new matter under a different number.

“Information contained in file number 47 will assist the matter as it is captured in the previous file since the psychological reports were submitted under the new file which is a continuation from the previous proceedings, “she said.

The prosecution also highlighted in response to the defence that section 15 of Botswana’s terrorism laws allowed for the arrest of suspects without formal charges in cases involving serious offenses.

She stressed the importance of a proper investigation in cases like the one where the matter carried heavy sentences like life imprisonment or even a death sentence. 

“This matter carries a potential life or death sentence, so court should allow all due process to ensure that justice is served,” she said.

Ms Mokgosi notified court that the case would be committed to the high court once investigations were complete. 

Magistrate Mosweu informed both parties that the two files on the matter before court had been consolidated and the new file was withdrawn.

Segolodi was arrested in connection with alleged terrorism-related activities last year stemming from his controversial post on X in November 2024. 

The matter is set for another status hearing on September 15. ENDS