06 Jul 2026

A 32-year-old man of Mosarwa Ward in Lefoko, Kabo Kgaogano has somersaulted on his initial plea for the two counts he is facing.

Even though he had initially pleaded not guilty to both counts, Kgaogano who recently appeared before Magistrate Kelebogile Molapo of Jwaneng Magistrate Court changed his plea by admitting all witness statements from witnesses that the prosecution intended to call during trial.

Having satisfied itself that the accused person fully understood that his admission to witness statements translated to a change of plea, the court proceeded to read him the facts of the case, which he also corroborated. Subsequently, he was convicted as charged on his own plea on both counts, and ordered to return to court for mitigation and sentencing on July 13, while he shall be remanded in custody until then. 

On the first count, Kgaogano is accused of having reportedly assaulted Amantle Kokong on June 20, 2024 at Dikukubi cattlepost by hitting her with a sjambok, thereby causing her injuries. 

On count two, he is said to have unlawfully assaulted the same complainant with a wooden log on June 25, 2024 at or near Lefoko, also resulting in injuries. 

Still before the same court, 24-year-old Anthony Bodutu of Mokhomma pleaded not guilty to a single count of rape, in which he is accused of unlawfully having carnal knowledge of a certain woman on April 26, 2025 at Ntwaetsile Ward in Mokhomma. 

The accused person, who indicated his intentions to engage a defence attorney, was admitted to bail on condition that he entered his own recognisance with P1,000, provides two Batswana sureties who bind themselves with P500 each, report to the nearest police station fortnightly, attends court as needed and does not interfere with state witnesses, particularly the complainant. 

He was served with a witness statement and the case is set for mention on August 4 to confirm September 3 as a tentative trial date. ENDS