Zimbo Jailed illegal immigrant in Botswana demands freedom

An illegal immigrant, who allegedly beat an old woman and left her for the dead, has demanded to be freed from jail.

Martin Sibanda (26) from Zimbabwe told Palapye Magistrate Gofaone Mosweu that he wanted to be released on bail to enjoy freedom like his partners in crime, who have not been arrested.

"I want to know how long I'm going to be in jail. Those guys are out there enjoying their freedom and they don't have papers too, but I'm languishing in jail. Besides, I'm only an accomplice in this matter. Those two guys are the ones who committed the crime."

Sibanda and his friends are said to have beaten Kutlwano Keinametse of Makoro Village, and left her with serious injuries.

Inspector Emmanuel of Botswana Police told the court that the victim was still hospitalised and in critical condition and therefore the suspect should be kept in custody in case his charge changes to a more serious one.

Emmanuel argued that the two other suspects were still at large and that Sibanda is an illegal immigrant without travel documents.

Mosweu refused to let him out and advised, "Make peace with staying in jail if you have no papers because no citizen surety will sign for your bail."

The case continues.