Selaolo denies leading police to mochocho’s grave

A woman charged with the 2016 murder of her boyfriend’s son, Clifford Mochocho, of Gaborone Block 3, has denied leading police and other individuals to the top of a hill in Mmankgodi where the child’s remains were exhumed from a shallow grave.

The accused, Gaofengwe Selaolo, while being cross-examined by prosecutor Mr Motseoame Taunyane on Friday during an ongoing trial before Justice Matlhogonolo Phuthego, said she never led the group nor pointed out where the child was buried.

She told the court that police assaulted her and forced her to admit to killing the child.

She added that while going to the crime scene, she was not leading the group but was walking alongside the investigating officer, retired Assistant Commissioner Sergeant Marapo.

“Who told you where the child was in Mmankgodi?” Mr Taunyane asked, to which she responded, “I said I don’t know their names”.

However, Mr Taunyane told the court that the accused had earlier said she reported an assault case to the police, and that to open such a case she would have to provide the names of those who assaulted her.

“Yes, that is my evidence. I know them but I do not know their names,” she stated.

Selaolo further admitted that she was taken to Gaborone West Police Station to report an assault case, but said she was not aware of the status of the case.

The 11-year-old Mochocho, a Standard Six pupil at Bosele Primary School, disappeared on his way to school on 2 March 2016. His father’s girlfriend was later arrested and charged with murder.

The accused is represented by Ms Lenah Jere.

The trial continues before Justice Phuthego.

Update: Bonang Masolotate