Blind man gets 15 years for murder

Tebogo Kgalemang
Correspondent | Friday November 19, 2010 00:00

Shadrack Ngwanaletsatsi, who was not blind at the time of the offense in 2007, pleaded guilty to the murder of Gotshegamang Kedidimetse. In court it emerged that he only became blind two months after his arrest for the crime by the police.

On giving sentence Justice Tshepho Motswagole stated, ' I am of the opinion that the sentence in this case must find place on the lower side of the scale. We are here dealing with a man who appears blind and throughout the hearing he was guided around by court officials and was allowed a walking stick which may constitute a dangerous weapon.'

'He will need personal attention of at least one prison official and will not be able to do normal chores of the other prisoners. In such circumstances I have come to the conclusion that he be sentenced to 15-years imprisonment,' Motswagole ruled.

Motswagole also lamented the fact that Ngwanaletsatsi allegedly suffers a number of disabilities, arising from physical injury though there was no medical proof of these.

The judge went on to say that what was clear is that the convict is physically challenged and has lost his eyesight.

He however said there is no medical evidence to show whether or not this is a permanent disability.

The judge then recommended that the prison authorities find out the nature and extent of Ngwanaletsatsi's blindness and if possible give him the necessary treatment.

'I believe that an exhaustive medical report and appropriate recommendation may be made to the President of the Republic of Botswana to exercise a prerogative of mercy,' Motswagole said.

Meanwhile the judge said that the fact that the convict has committed a very serious offence could not be ignored. He stated that the case has some very strong aggravating factors in it.

Motswagole said the offence that the convict has been found guilty of, is a very serious offence that has come to be infamously referred to as passion killing.

Ngwanaletsatsi waylaid the deceased who was in company of her boyfriend and tracked them under cover of darkness.

The deceased, who was epileptic, was seized by fits on the way and collapsed to the ground. Her boyfriend left her with the knowledge that she would follow after recovery.

Ngwanaletsatsi immediately realised his opportunity, as he was aware of the deceased persons sickness. While the latter was helpless he stabbed her twice in the abdomen.

The judge said he has come to the view that the death was planned for.

'I am satisfied that the convict acted with premeditation. After disappointment with the deceased for a failed appointment he armed himself with a big knife and set out on a search and upon seeing her in the company of another man he laid an ambush and then trailed the deceased until it was opportune to attack her.' he said.