22 Apr 2025

Molepolole Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday arraigned a 30-year-old soldier stationed at Sir Seretse Khama Barracks (SSKB) for three offences including a threat to kill.

The accused, Chiyapo Mwanza from Mathangwane, is charged with three counts which were formally read to him in Court. The first count, that relates to an alleged threat to kill, states that on or about the 20th of April, at or near Legonono ward in Molepolole, Mwanza allegedly caused Ms Onkarabile Moadi to receive a threat, uttering the words, “ Wa lebala gore ne ke berekela ko ditlhobolong ke tlaa go hula be ke iphula kana ke go bolaya,” roughly translated as “You forgot that I work with guns; I will kill you and kill myself.”

On second count, he is charged with common assault, as he allegedly hit Ms Moadi with a Corona bottle on the nose, causing her minor injuries. The third count alleges that the accused damaged a Samsung A23 cell phone, valued at P1 500, owned by Ms Moadi, an offence of malicious damage to property.

Pleading his innocence, the accused requested bail from Magistrate Baakile, stating that he had reconciled with the complainant, who reportedly told him that she filed the charges because she was hurt.

However, State Prosecutor Sergeant Thatayaone Marope countered the accused’s assertions, citing incomplete investigations and the fact that the complainant was still pursuing the matter.

The court ruled in favour of the prosecution’s request and remanded Mr Mwanza in custody until May 6 when a formal hearing of the matter will commence. ENDS