Parents, school implicated in defilement cover-up
Spira Tlhankane | Wednesday February 11, 2026 12:00
The accused, Kenyan national Simon Ngungiri Maina, was employed by a tutoring agency in Mogoditshane at the time of the alleged offence. He recently appeared before the Mogoditshane Magistrate’s Court, where his plea was reserved.
According to the charge sheet, Maina is alleged to have, “sometime in August 2024, at or near Nkoyaphiri in Mogoditshane, had unlawful carnal knowledge of a person under the age of 18 years”.
Information reaching MmegiOnline indicates that the alleged incident occurred on school premises. It is further alleged that the learner later reported the matter to her parents, who in turn informed the school.
Sources allege that a settlement of P30,000 was subsequently agreed upon between the child’s parents and the accused, on condition that Maina leaves Botswana and returns to Kenya. He is said to have left the country but allegedly returned in 2025 and secured employment at another tutoring centre in Mogoditshane.
Upon learning of his return, the school reportedly alerted the police, leading to his arrest. Maina was granted bail of P5,000 last week. In a further development, police have informed the court that they intend to charge the child’s parents as well as the school manager who allegedly facilitated the settlement arrangement.
The matter continues on March 5.