Khakhea mother cites poverty distress in baby abandonment case
14 Jul 2026
A 46-year-old mother of 10 from Khakhea has told the High Court that postnatal distress contributed to her decision to conceal and abandon her newborn in 2017.
The accused, Keitiretse Tau pleaded guilty to child neglect after an initial charge of attempted murder was downgraded.
Appearing before Gaborone High Court Judge Justice Oteng Motlhala on Monday, her attorney Mr Lucky Radimpe asked the court to impose a non-custodial sentence, saying Tau requires psychosocial support.
Mr Radimpe said the accused is illiterate, comes from a poverty-stricken background, is isolated, lives with a chronic illness, and was suffering psychological distress at the time of the offence.
“The offence relates to a concealed pregnancy. She gave birth alone and thereafter hid the child in a shallow pit,” Mr Radimpe told the court.
At the time of the offence, Tau was 37 years old with nine children.
The court heard that none of the fathers provided support, leaving her to shoulder the burden alone.
He said intervention into Tau’s psychological and mental well-being only came two years later.
“The criminal process responded too late and too narrowly, my Lord,” he submitted.
Although an experienced mother, Mr Radimpe said social and economic circumstances played a part in the commission of the offence.
He said Tau had been caring for the children alone with no support structure, amid extreme poverty, repeated childbearing, psychological distress and social exclusion.
Despite the challenges, Tau has not missed any court dates, travelling from Khakhea for each appearance, the court heard.
“Although the court is entitled to disapprove of the mother’s conduct, it should also consider her circumstances,” Mr Radimpe said.
“The sentence must not only fit the crime, but also the offender and the circumstances in which the crime was committed,” he added.
Mr Radimpe further noted that the guilty plea was a significant mitigating factor as it spared the court the time and expense of a trial and demonstrated remorse.
He told the court Tau has not seen the child since 2017 and urged the court to temper justice with mercy.
The State, represented by Ms Katlego Seema, indicated it would not seek an aggravated sentence.
Sentencing has been set for 26 August. ENDS
Source : BOPA
Author : Bonang Masolotate
Location : Gaborone
Event : Court
Date : 14 Jul 2026
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