Father pleads guilty to incest
Lebogang Mosikare | Thursday September 9, 2021 15:51
The state alleged that the father, who cannot be named for legal reasons in order to protect the interests of the child, had sexual intercourse with his daughter between June 2020 and July 2021 at Block 2.
While the accused readily pleaded guilty to the offence, Sub-Inspector Cecilia Nchochi told the court that investigations in the matter are not yet complete.
She added that the matter has been sent to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for assessment of evidence.
In the interim, Nchochi told the court that the state was not opposed to the accused being granted bail on condition that he pays P3,000, provides two sureties who shall each bind themselves with the same amount, not interfere with state witnesses, not commit any criminal offence whilst on bail and appear in court as and when required to do so.
Nchochi said that after the incident, the child was transferred to Selebi-Phikwe where she is currently staying with her grandmother.
However, Magistrate Thabang Chokwe said that there is a possibility that the accused may change his plea during his next mention.
The Magistrate, however, said that in the interim, the prosecution may prepare facts in case the accused does not change his plea.
Chokwe then granted the accused bail on conditions proposed by the state.
“In addition to the bail conditions that were proposed by the state, the accused is warned not to go anywhere near where the child resides. The accused will appear in court on October 21,” Chokwe said.
Following a spike in sexual offences in Botswana, Parliament recently passed the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (Bill No. 16 of 2021) An Act to amend the Penal Code to, among others, enhance penalties for sexual offences.
The penalties for these offences were increased to a minimum of 20 years in jail from 10 years.