South African Correspondent
Botswana- In a tragic incident, a 20-year-old woman, Kaone Bothoko, was cruelly deprived of the chance to become a mother while five months pregnant.
On Friday, November 1, Bothoko was stabbed in the stomach during an argument with her boyfriend, Kemisetso Nkgalemang, at her home in Mabesekwa.
After being rushed to Nyangabgwe Hospital, Bothoko fought bravely for two days, but sadly, her unborn baby died on November 3 while still in her womb.
Although the fetus never had the opportunity to see the light of day, it has become yet another victim of gender-based violence (GBV) in Botswana.
Following the incident, Nkgalemang fled to his home but was arrested the next day. He appeared before the Francistown Magistrates Court on a single count of unlawful wounding.
However, due to the tragic outcome of the unborn child’s death, State Prosecutor Paphidzo Kuda indicated that an additional charge of killing an unborn child may be added, pending the results of a postmortem scheduled for November 19.
Kuda emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating,
“She is in a critical condition, and we have not yet collected her statement and those of the possible witnesses. We also have not managed to check the accused person’s previous convictions.”
When given the opportunity to address the court, Nkgalemang chose to remain silent, responding to the proceedings with “stony silence.”
The court has ensured that he remains in custody until the next hearing.
Zim GBC News©2024