20 Nov 2025

Monica Mabanda, 30, of Maun has pleaded guilty to a single count of cruel punishment to a child.

She appeared before Maun Magistrate Court on Tuesday accused of assaulting her minor child on February 28, at Boseja ward in Maun. She allegedly beat her son on the back with a stick and burned his hands using melted plastic.

Mabanda told the court that she understood the charge fully and was not disputing the evidence presented against her by the state.

“I admit to the offence, and I am not in disagreement with the witness statements,” she confirmed when asked to respond to the facts.

Presiding Magistrate, Ms Gofaone Mosweu emphasised the seriousness of the offence, noting that the courts treated cases involving cruelty to minors with utmost gravity, as they concerned children who were vulnerable and entirely dependent on adults for safety and care.

Magistrate Mosweu advised Mabanda to reflect deeply on the reasons she was intending to present as mitigation, stressing that it would be her opportunity to justify why the court should consider leniency in its sentencing.

“You must think carefully about the reasons you will give to this court as to why you believe you deserve a lenient sentence, because the charge you are facing is a very serious one,” she said.

Mabanda will appear before court on December 08, for mitigation and sentencing. ENDS