Lobatse — The trio accused of gang raping a 13-year-old minor at Kgoro in Good Hope District on July 11, 2025 have been further remanded in custody.
They appeared before Lobatse Magistrates Court, senior magistrate Mr Tshoganetso Atamelang on Monday who further remanded first accused Wabile Mohlomi of Kgoro, 30, second accused Phenyo Khubitla of Good Hope, 19, and third accused 17-year-old minor of Good Hope charged with a single count of rape contrary to section 141 of the penal code of the Laws of Botswana.
Their incarceration was further extended to February 17, after Ms Vanzoline Machikiche for prosecution pleaded with the court that prosecution had completed investigations but needed to tie any loose ends on their part adding that the docket had been completed but they were left with gathering the video evidence as well as a statement from the social worker.
Regarding the accused bail application, Ms Machikiche said the prosecution shall avail the minor victim's guardian to hear the bail application in line with compliance to the new Bail Act, section 15.
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"The prosecution intends to bring the complainant's guardian, the docket is complete, the social worker will avail her report next week," she said.
However, Magistrate Atamelang expressed that investigations were taking longer than expected before trial could commence.
He said the accused have been in custody and therefore did not interfere with the investigations. He thus urged prosecution to wrap up their investigation as he had given them sufficient time to do so, so that the matter could proceed to trial.
Both, Mohlomi and Khubitla pleaded with the court to grant them bail, promising that they will respect the integrity of the court process. Second accused maintained his plea with the court to release him on bail for him to be able to find an attorney, he reasoned that this was his first offense adding that he needed the services of an attorney.
Meanwhile, magistrate Atamelang reminded the accused that it was necessary to comply with the new Bail Act adding that the court needed to hear the position of the Investigating Officer and that of the complainant's guardian regarding their bail application.
The trio will appear again in court on 17 February 2026. ENDS
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