Zim man given three hours to pay for unlawful entry into Botswana

A Zimbabwean man in Jwaneng Botswana was left helpless last week when he was given three hours to pay P3,000 or face a 12 months jail sentence for entering Botswana through un-gazetted point of entry.

Initially, the accused, Ephraim Moyo, 24 was also facing another count of rape where it is alleged that on February 14 this year in Sese village, he raped a woman.

However, the prosecution withdrew the case due to lack of evidence and he was discharged accordingly.

During mitigation, the accused asked the court to be lenient with him as he committed the offence in an endeavour to assist his siblings in Zimbabwe, as their parents are deceased.

In delivering the sentence Magistrate Basetsana Keakantse noted that the accused was a first offender and he pleaded guilty to the offence thus showing remorse.

She said the court considered the accused‘s mitigation but, explained that the offence carries a maximum of 10 years imprisonment and a fine of P10,000.

She ordered that the accused pay a sum of P3,000 before end of business the same day and in default he will spend the next 12 months behind bars.

She also highlighted that should he fail to pay in the remaining three hours, his jail term will start immediately and be back-dated from 18 February, the day he was remanded in custody.