Special Constable appears on rape charges

A 26-year-old Botswana Police Service Special Constable appeared before the Francistown Magistrate Court facing a single count of raping a Zimbabwean woman.

Mmegi newspaper reported that the accused Moithuti Bokowe, who is stationed at Francistown Central Police station, allegedly raped the woman at Monarch location on November 2, 2014.

Appearing for the State, prosecutor Carol Manthe asked Senior Magistrate, Thebeetsile Mulalu, for an extension of time saying investigators were still trying to locate the complainant, whom it is feared could have returned to her native country.

"The victim in this case, together with the witness, is not available to provide evidence in the matter, thus delaying progress of the case. I am pleading for an extension so that we can try to locate them and start the trial," said Manthe.

Bokowe also pleaded with court for an extension of prosecution dates so that the State could locate the complainant. Mulalu granted the accused and the State an extension, saying the complainant and the witness were materially key to the case.

"When a matter is brought to court, it's the duty of prosecution to make sure that they collect enough evidence to support their case. Tighten up the search for the concerned individuals because you are delaying case's progress. "If you take too long, you will force the court to withdraw the matter."