03 Mar 2026

Principal Magistrate Solomon Setshedi of Molepolole Magistrate court has dismissed a bail application by Tshepho Sethibe, who refers to himself as ‘Uncle of the Nation’ on social media.

He ruled that the accused be remanded in custody pending the finalisation of investigations in a case involving alleged incitement and offensive electronic communication.

Delivering his ruling, Magistrate Setshedi said the court was not persuaded that it was in the interest of justice to release the accused at this stage.

“The application for the accused’s bail is therefore dismissed. The accused is further remanded in custody pending the finalisation of the investigation,” he said.

In outlining factors, he considered in this bail application, the Magistrate noted that although the prosecution conceded that the accused was not a flight risk, the main point of contention was the allegation that he had incited violence through social media posts.

The court was told that some gadgets linked to the alleged offences had not yet been recovered.

The complainant, Headman of Records at Medie, Kgosi Moatlhodi Emmanuel Kgabo, testified that he feared for his life following comments allegedly made on Facebook by the accused’s followers.

He further informed the court that he had relocated to Gaborone with his family due to safety concerns.

“After careful consideration of the evidence of the two state witnesses, it is this court’s view that there is likelihood that the accused, if he were released on bail, may endanger the safety of the public and the complainant,” Magistrate Setshedi said.

He added that the court was satisfied that police required more time to complete investigations, describing cases of this nature as complex.

The court also heard that there were other similar cases previously opened against the accused which were later withdrawn.

Magistrate Setshedi further expressed concern that the accused might continue committing offences if released.

“It is also my view that the accused may continue to commit offences if admitted to bail today,” he said.

He will appear again on March 17. ENDS