14 Sep 2026

A 22-year-old woman who suffered a miscarriage at 24 weeks and disposed of the foetus in a toilet was on Monday given a 12-month prison sentence, wholly suspended, for concealing a birth.

Khumonyana Puompe of Tsolamosese was sentenced by the Mogoditshane Chief Magistrate, Mr Gofaone Morweng, following her guilty plea.

In passing sentence, Mr Morweng said the court had considered the seriousness of the offence, the accused’s guilty plea, the circumstances of the case, and the interests of society.

He noted that the court had a duty to balance all relevant factors.

Mr Morweng said Puompe had disposed of the foetus in a toilet, which he described as an undignified manner of disposal.

He said the miscarriage had left Puompe with a permanent emotional scar.

He added that social factors may have contributed to the commission of the offence and that she had shown remorse during the court proceedings.

The magistrate further stated that while society would judge Puompe, it would not go so far as to want her imprisoned.

He also observed that women remained among the most vulnerable in society as poverty disproportionately affected them.

He noted that, notwithstanding this, the country’s laws limited the reproductive choices available to women.

He further noted that Puompe, who was unrepresented, was young and unemployed at the time of the offence.

Ms Amogelang Olerile represented the state. ENDS