Alleged kingpin 'sick' as case hits a snag
Larona Makhaiza | Wednesday March 4, 2026 14:50
The state had hoped to charge Nigerian national, Uchema Njoku (53), and another with fresh charges for aiding the alleged drug cartel to enter the Botswana illegally.
Towards the end of last year, the Botswana Police Service (BPS) busted six Mexican nationals, namely, Gumecindo Enrique (61), Jose Pena (48), Fansico Alejandro (33), Jose Corrales (39), Carlos Aguilar (32), and David Teran (26), who were arrested in Gaborone.
The six Mexicans have since been sentenced to 12 months in prison and were fined P5 000 each. On the other end, the Nigerian national was yet to be prosecuted as prosecution indicated that it intends to amend his initial charge for aiding and abetting crime for assisting in illegally entering the country.
Moreover, the State had said it would introduce another individual (an agent) who assisted in aiding and abetting the Mexicans.
Appearing before the Extension II Magistrate's Court, the State prosecutor, Keletso Kgathi, revealed that it cannot proceed to arraign the suspects, as they are unwell.
“We have amended the charge sheet, and we were ready to serve him (Njoku). We had the intention of introducing another accused person, but I was informed that the person is not fit and we will wait until he is fit,” Kgathi said.
For his part, Njoku's defence attorney, Farai Mahwite, said his client was not available in court because he was sick and was hundreds of kilometers away from Gaborone.
“My client is not in court; he has advised me he is not well, and he is in Selibe Phikwe. He also told me that he will send the sick leave note,” Mahwite said.
The State prosecutor confirmed being apprised of Njoku’s sickness.
With the accused not available in court, Chief Magistrate Kamogelo Mmesi set the matter for April 15 for possible arraignment if they are fully back to health.