Double murder convict, Gobuamang Ntsuape, has been sentenced to two life terms for the murder of a police officer and prison inmate.
Ntsuape, who is already facing death by hanging for a previous murder of his ex girlfriend's mother, was sentenced today by Justice Barnabas Nyamadzabo of the Gaborone High Court. In his ruling, Nyamadzabo said there were sufficient extenuating circumstances that may have forced him to react the way he did on that fateful day of December 1, 2016. He explained that on that day, Ntsuape was not happy with the fact that he was referred for counselling but not able to receive it as prison made it hard. "Being not certain that his counselling will take place may have played a role on that fateful day," he said.
The judge also noted that the defence team had also accused the driver on that day of using offensive words against the accused. More on the extenuating circumstances, Justice Nyamazbo said for Ntsuape to plead guilty he has shown remorse and the fact that he is regretful of his actions. "By pleading guilty shows he wants to make amends with the victims' family and the society. Also he has minor children who need a father, that needs to be considered," he said Justice Nyamazabo, however, said that there has been unnecessary loss of lives, one being a police officer, not only that four more people almost lost their lives. He also emphasised that again Ntsuape is not a first time offender, as he is on death row for a previous murder and had been sentence for arson. "This reflects bad on his character. Besides his depressive episodes it shows he has not learnt a lesson," the judge said. Justice Nyamadzabo said there ought to be a sentence that will set an example for future offenders. Meanwhile, on the remaining four charges of attempted murder, he received 15 years on each charge. He has been given 30 days to appeal.
