Two Namibian refugees based at the Dukwi Refugee Camp in the Central District last week pleaded guilty to charges of burglary and theft before Francistown Principal Magistrate, Peggy Madandume.
On the 15th of April in 2009, Jackson Makavi and Rector Maule, acting jointly, allegedly broke into the teacher’s quarters in Dukwi Junior Secondary School where they stole some property belonging to one Tshambani Magaule and Lebogang Masole.
According to the facts from prosecution, the accused were arrested by the police after a tip off from the public and the owners of the property were summoned where upon they identified the stolen property as theirs.
“The accused broke into the house through the kitchen door where they gained entry to the bedroom and stole the items, which include blankets, electronics and utensils,” said the prosecutor.
However, the prosecutor brought to the court’s attention that the first accused, Maule has other series of previous convictions which also include common assault, burglary and theft in Dukwi, Mathangwane and Francistown.
During mitigation, the first accused pleaded with the court to give him a linier sentence as he has a health problem. He indicated that he was diagnosed with Tubercolosis and added that he is a first offender.
“I want the court to look at the fact that I am the sole provider of my two children and I also have a heart problem which is persistent,” the second accused also prayed to court.
He mentioned that he did not come to Botswana with anyone who can assist in caring for his children if he were sent to jail. The accused further pleaded with court to give him a lighter sentence as he has pleaded guilty to all the offences he committed whilst in the country.
The court will give judgment next month.
