25 Aug 2025

An accused in a series of rape cases and robberies, Kobamelo Thomas, has been remanded in custody. 

Thomas, who appeared before Francistown Principal Magistrate Ms Ditebogo Nthuli, is facing five counts of rape and two counts of robbery.

According to the prosecutor Ms Mompoloki Mabalani, Thomas allegedly committed the crimes in a short span of time, with the first count occurring last month.

In the first count, Thomas is accused of raping a minor, while in the remaining four counts, he is alleged to have raped four women over three days.

The state prosecutor told the court that the offences committed by Thomas were serious and that investigations into the matter were still at an early stage.

Ms Mabalani informed the court that remanding Thomas in custody would allow investigators to carry out their investigations without interference from the accused.

She also requested the court to order Thomas to submit his fingerprints to the police to check whether he has previous convictions.

Additionally, the prosecutor pleaded to the court to order Thomas to submit his blood samples or have his blood extracted for forensic examination, as the counts charged require.

The prosecutor further stated that the state has not yet recorded statements from the victims, which would require time.

Ms Mabalani also informed the court that the five victims of rape would be called to give their personal testimony.

In the two counts of robberies, Thomas is alleged to have used violence to steal a Huawei mobile phone valued at P1 800 from Tendai Takoti on August 19.

In another robbery case, he is accused of using a knife to steal another phone worth P2 000 on August 9.

After hearing the prosecutor’s submissions, Magistrate Ms Nthuli remanded the accused in custody until September 11, when the state will update the court on the progress of the investigation. ENDS