State delays OP stolen file case

Sharon Mathala | Wednesday August 24, 2016 15:08

 

Extension 2 Magistrate Ntombizodwa Ncube learnt that state prosecutor Christina Ramokwena, who was initially handling the case, had just handed the file to a different prosecutor and that she needed more time to familiarise herself with the case.

In the last mention the state had said that they had now changed Sebola’s charges from stealing confidential information to abuse of office.

The new charge sheet reads: “Abueng Sebola is charged with abuse of office contrary to section 104 of the penal code (cap 08:01) of the laws of Botswana”.

The case will return on November 11 for a case management conference. The case, which went to court early this year, attracted national interest. Sebola and Serite were arrested and detained in dramatic fashion. The two were then charged with receiving stolen property and stealing an official file respectively. However, Serite’s charges were later dropped in June with the state explaining that they had no grounds to proceed with his trial.

It is alleged that the file contained confidential information belonging to one Tsaone Nkarabang, who is also an employee at the OP, and a close associate of President Ian Khama.