15 Jun 2026

Chief Magistrate Rebecca Motsamai of Lobatse Magistrates Court has dismissed the case on counterfeit P50 currency notes bearing serial number: AR 0656562 demanding for more accountability from public prosecution.

Magistrate Motsamai noted the significant delays caused primarily by prosecution, which she asserted hampered the legal process.

She said the court had noted with concern occasions when the accused, a Zimbabwean national, Wilson Juma, 33 and a Motswana man, More Bojong, 40 appeared but prosecution either did not appear, and if they appeared, they lacked sufficient detail to move the case forward.

The accused were arraigned in early March for two counts of offenses, which included making of counterfeit currency contrary to section 362 of the penal code and being found in possession of forged currency notes contrary to section 354 of the penal code on 26 February 2026.

“I have noted with concern where some prosecutors appeared without instruction on this case. So, there is no progress and that is prejudicial to the accused persons. They come here at a cost. So, I am dismissing it. You will re-register the case when you are serious about prosecuting it,” she said.

Furthermore, the magistrate raised concern that the matter, which was first brought to court on March 2, has had multiple prosecutors appear and none did not have anything substantial to say adding that the court had also at times noted non-appearance by prosecution hence her decision to dismiss the case.

Non-appearance by prosecution, she noted undermined the integrity of the legal process. 

Bojong was out on bail while Juma was remanded in custody accused of being an illegal immigrant.

He was also released and the court instructed that he must be taken to Department of Immigration and Civil Registration to deal with the illegal immigrant matter.ends