Someone needs to be held accountable – Magistrate

Larona Makhaiza - Boikobo Mmolai | Wednesday June 18, 2025 13:09

Mokganelwa was brutally killed at the University of Botswana (UB) on Monday morning. The 47-year-old woman allegedly died at the hands of her boyfriend, Bantshuti Nkgarapi, aged 37.

Appearing before court this morning, Nkgarapi was charged with a single count of murder of the slain woman.

Following the arraignment, Prosecutor Pascale Mohandu said the accused should be further remanded in custody citing that the matter is relatively new.

“Investigations are still ongoing as the case is new and we apply that he be remanded in custody,” he said.

Mohandu said the accused should not be given bail easily arguing that he should provide enough circumstantial reasons why he should be granted one.

However, Magistrate Mmesi was not having it, berating that the murder of Mokganelwa was not inevitable, her life that was cut short this week could have been saved.

“This man appeared before court on May 2 and I hear that he has a restraining order against the deceased and you didn’t tell me about that. Somebody really has to answer,” Mmesi lashed.

Not backing down, Mmesi further breathed fire on the state saying that gender-based violence continues to be a thorn in the country but people are not doing their job to combat it.

“It is really painful and we too feel the pain. I mean somebody needs to be held accountable. It is not right (not to) do something about it! Tell DPP I want someone to be held accountable for the murder of this woman,” she lambasted.

Mohandu bowed to Mmesi’s fury stating that he will follow it up to see through that someone is held accountable for not preventing the death of Mokganelwa.

Meanwhile the accused, Nkgarapi, made a plea to be transferred from Central Prison to Mochudi. He cited that he might get violated.

“May I wait for trial at Mochudi on reasons that I have experienced bad things there. One person was raped from the cell. Secondly, there are lot of intoxicants there,” he said.

In response, Magistrate Mmesi said the accused belongs there if he has no medical conditions that would justify a transfer.

“This is a murder case so, we cannot transfer you to any another prison because Central Prison is for murderers, unless you have a medical condition and you bring the medical report,” she said. Mmesi remanded the accused in custody. He will appear before court on July 3. The case continues.