12 years for murdering ex-girlfriend

Motswagole sentenced Botshelo Sekele to a 12-year jail term for the murder of his ex-girlfriend Gaabazo Thipe (19) at Letsholathebe village in 2008.

Justice Motswagole said that cases of passion killings are common in Botswana and they are committed everyday throughout the entire country. He further stated that it is upon the courts to pass exemplary penalties to the convicts in order to protect the public. "Lovers must accept that relationships have a beginning and ending," asserted the judge. He said if individuals choose to break the law, it is upon the courts to find appropriate ways to protect the public. "The public will be best protected if courts pass this message by imposing exemplary penalties to those who choose to ignore the law."