Expert Dismisses Suicide Theory in Mosekwa Murder Trial
06 Nov 2026
A crime scene expert has told the Gaborone High Court that Onalenna Bagopi did not commit suicide, but was hanged by another person, in the murder trial of former Old Naledi Councillor Mathata Mosekwa.
Giving evidence before Justice Oteng Motlhala on Thursday, Detective Sergeant Mogalokodi Boikanyo said after assessing the evidence, he ruled out that the deceased had hanged herself from the rafters.
The deceased, Onalenna Bagopi, died on 27 June 2022 in an alleged suicide.
However, Detective Sergeant Boikanyo said after the pathologist's findings were not conclusive of suicide, he was assigned to the crime scene.
He photographed the crime scene and also physically examined the body and the rope allegedly used by the deceased.
Detective Sergeant Boikanyo added that there was a mark on the rafters where the deceased allegedly hanged herself, showing it was created through upward movement.
"It is impossible for a person to lift herself with a rope. This was done by another person," he said.
However, upon studying the rafters, he concluded that a textured material had rubbed against the rafter, creating the marks.
He also alluded to a straight furrow at the back of the rafters, which he said indicated that something was used to create it.
"The evidence is not consistent with hanging by oneself," he said.
He noted the sawdust debris at the centre of the mark on the rafter, adding that it was also indicative of upward movement.
He added that the pathologist's findings did not in any way sway his conclusion.
When cross-examined by the defence counsel, Mr Oliver Modise, the expert witness stated that he was not present when the crime scene was first inspected.
He noted, however, that he did get to see the post-mortem report before leaving for the crime scene.
He added that his evidence was based on the evidence at his disposal and disputed that any other crime scene expert would come to a different conclusion given the same information.
"Did you identify any evidence that the accused was present at the time of death?" Mr Modise asked, to which the witness answered "Yes" without divulging what evidence suggested that.
He said he excludes any other cause of death, and noted he did not come across any evidence that contradicts murder, and said the victim had defensive wounds on her hands.
The State is represented by Ms Galetlwaelwe Mokhondo and Ms Seeletso Ookeditse.
The case will continue on 11 December and the State is expected to call the investigating officer.ENDS
Source : BOPA
Author : Bonang Masolotate
Location : Gaborone
Event : Court
Date : 06 Nov 2026
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