Khama's First Date With Death Penalty
Monday, July 28, 2008

Tsobane was sentenced to death by the Francistown High Court after he was convicted of killing his 10-year-old daughter in 2004 to avoid paying for her maintenance. He pleaded guilty to a charge of murder. Last week, the Court of Appeal sitting in Lobatse, upheld the death sentence, which was imposed by the High Court. In dismissing the appeal, the court found that there were no extenuating circumstances in Tsobane's case.
Tsobane can now only apply to the President for mercy. His lawyer, Tony Matilo, said this is the only option they are left with. This will be the first application for clemency by a death row inmate to Khama since he took power in April.
Botswana for the longest time was known for her virulent peace with family being an enviable institution.As the media, we are also scared to be incessantly reporting on these bloody scenes where women are brutally murdered and worse, sometimes in front of their children and loved ones. Yes, we have reported cases where men were also brutally murdered by their loved ones, but such cases are a drop in the ocean.For the past two weeks, Botswana was...