Facing death: Murder in the valley

On Wednesday, attorneys Themba Joina and Archibald Gijima will have to pull off their best efforts of extenuation and mitigation to save two Gantsi farm workers from the death penalty. Before Judge Abednego Tafa in Lobatse, Tshiamo Kgalalelo and Mmika Mpe will know whether they will face the hangman or life in prison.

Yesterday, the two men stood outside the Lobatse High Court chatting with fellow inmates and prison guards with visible relief written on their faces. Arguments for extenuation and mitigation had been due to be held yesterday, but are now due for Wednesday as Judge Tafa was unavailable.