Almost two years since the tragic death of 8 year old Lobatse young boy, Tlotso Karema the Gaborone High Court has finally set trial date for 2026.
The accused in the matter Lovermore Sithole who is the boyfriend for Tlotso's mother
Appearing before the High Court today, the state prosecutor, Milikane Tibonye shared that finally investigations have been wrapped up and they are ready to proceed.
"We have filed our pre trial minutes with that said we would like this court to set the trial dates so that the matter can be heard," he said.
Tibonye further pleaded that the trial be given a period of five days looking at the number of witnesses lined up.
Sithole's lawyer, Keorapele Sambere raised no contention on the submissions made and Judge Chris Gabanagae proceeded to set the trial dates for the case.
"The trial has been set for a week long from Monday until Friday on May 18 till the 22nd in the year 2026," said Gabanagae.
Sithole was further remanded in custody pending the trial in 2026.
Karema's life was cut short back in 2022 after going missing for some time. Karema's disappearance sparked protests across the country as citizens were moved by the tragedy that had transpired.
Months later, the eight year old’s body was found along the Kanye road after police received information through a tip off.
Though the body remains were tested and proved to be of Karema, it was a bitter pill to swallow for his family as it took them a while to believe that the body remains were for their beloved son.
A handful arrests were made during the investigations like the former Minister of Finance Dr Thapelo Matsheka who was one of the people arrested by the Botswana Police Service (BPS) and Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS).
Matsheka is now suing DIS P10 million for the ‘unlawful’ arrest and defamation of character.
After a couple of arrests were made, it all boiled down to Sithole, who was the main suspect and was the last person to be seen with the child.
Sithole was formally charged with the murder of Karema alone and it remains to be seen if he will walk scot free or he will be found guilty.
Appearing before the High Court today, the state prosecutor, Milikane Tibonye shared that finally investigations have been wrapped up and they are ready to proceed.
"We have filed our pre trial minutes with that said we would like this court to set the trial dates so that the matter can be heard," he said.
Tibonye further pleaded that the trial be given a period of five days looking at the number of witnesses lined up.
Sithole's lawyer, Keorapele Sambere raised no contention on the submissions made and Judge Chris Gabanagae proceeded to set the trial dates for the case.
"The trial has been set for a week long from Monday until Friday on May 18 till the 22nd in the year 2026," said Gabanagae.
Sithole was further remanded in custody pending the trial in 2026.
Karema's life was cut short back in 2022 after going missing for some time. Karema's disappearance sparked protests across the country as citizens were moved by the tragedy that had transpired.
Months later, the eight year old’s body was found along the Kanye road after police received information through a tip off.
Though the body remains were tested and proved to be of Karema, it was a bitter pill to swallow for his family as it took them a while to believe that the body remains were for their beloved son.
A handful arrests were made during the investigations like the former Minister of Finance Dr Thapelo Matsheka who was one of the people arrested by the Botswana Police Service (BPS) and Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS).
Matsheka is now suing DIS P10 million for the ‘unlawful’ arrest and defamation of character.
After a couple of arrests were made, it all boiled down to Sithole, who was the main suspect and was the last person to be seen with the child.
Sithole was formally charged with the murder of Karema alone and it remains to be seen if he will walk scot free or he will be found guilty.
