Dark cloud over Stimela and Nkuna

Looking defeated, they watched him with gloomy faces before leaving the dock, first Aubrey Nkuna (35), then Thabo Stimela (46). An hour before the court proceedings began, the two had sat on the public chairs of Courtroom Nine having what seemed like a friendly chat with the warder, with smiling faces full of hope.

With small steps due to the restriction on their legs, they trotted out of the main door towards the police Toyota Land Cruiser that was already revving nearby. It was back to the Gaborone Maximum Security Prison, a routine they have followed for the past five months since they were arrested, together with first accused Kegone Sebina for the murder of Lesley Managa Ntshwane in Malotwane.