Mojadigo slapped with 20-year prison sentence for rape

Larona Makhaiza | Friday November 14, 2025 16:19

The Mochudi Magistrate’s Court handed the verdict on Friday after establishing that there were no extenuating circumstances to lessen the sentence. Magistrate Queen Moanga convicted Mojadigo early this week for rape. The matter dates back to 2023 when the pastor drove to Morwa village to meet up with the complainant who he had been talking to on Facebook. On the dreadful day, he supposedly sexually assaulted the complainant; and the case was wrapped after prosecutors proved beyond reasonable doubt that he was guilty this week. Appearing before court today, for mitigation and sentencing, Mojadigo who was without legal representation as his lawyer was tied elsewhere chose not to advance reasons for mitigation. “I would like to choose not say anything on mitigation and with that I would like us to proceed to sentencing,” the pastor surprised the court for a man who is failing jail time.

Though he chose not to say anything in the mitigation phase, the rape-convicted pastor only had one plea. “The only request that I have is for this court to please backdate my sentence to the date I have been remanded in custody. “I have been remanded in custody for a year and a month that is from November 2024 to this year,” he said. Mojadigo closed by stating that is the only wish he had for the court to consider when sentencing him. Prosecutions on the end pleaded with the court that it should not be lenient with Mojadigo as he has abused his powers to take advantage of his congregant. “We want to consider that gender-based violence (GBV) is rampant and pastors abuse authority when they demean the church which is supposed to be a safe space. We request that the court takes a stand,” State prosecutor Bezi Seralanyane said. She highlighted that the court must apply the law and should not support any form of violence.

Delivering her ruling, the Magistrate stated that since Mojadigo chose not to say anything there were no extenuating circumstances. “There were no exceptional circumstances that were found. This is because the accused chose not to say anything,” she said. Magistrate Moanga further said she will consider the fact that he is a first time offender. In her sentence, the Magistrate said rape has become a scourge in Botswana that needs to be contained. “Rape brings about discomfort in society and what is disturbing is that this was committed by a pastor. The court has arrived that the suitable sentence shall be a term for 20 years,” she ordered. The Magistrate advised Mojadigo to appeal before the High Court within 14 days.