Selolwane referred to sabrana for assessment

A 60 year old pensioner, Samuel Selolwane, who is charged with raping a 13-year-old girl, has been referred to Sbrana Psychiatric Hospital for assessment.

Selolwane, was referred for assessment by Magistrate Nthabiseng Merafe-Olaotse of the Broadhurst Magistrate’s Court on the day his trial was due to commence.

The referral followed the defence submissions that they were in posession of an assessment report stating that the accused was not fit to stand trial.

However, prosecutor Ms Seeletso Ookeditse countered with an application that Selolwane be taken for assessment at Sbrana Psychiatric Hospital.

She also asked the court to direct the investigating officer to ensure the accused attends Sbrana.

Meanwhile, the court withdrew charges with liberty to reinstate against the third accused in the matter, after the state indicated it intended to use her as an accomplice witness.

The second accused, who is the mother of the victim, was also not before the court as she was said to be unwell.

She is facing a charge of corruption of children, contrary to Section 57(1)(b) of the Children’s Act of 2009, having allegedly acted together and in concert with others in encouraging the prostitution of a minor child.

Selolwane is accused of raping a 13-year-old girl in Oodi and in Block 6, Gaborone, in January 2024.

He is alleged to have had unlawful carnal knowledge of the 13-year-old without her consent in Oodi, where he allegedly had anal sex with the minor inside his combi while the victim’s mother and a friend had gone into a bar.

The second incident allegedly took place in or near Gaborone Block 6 in the same car.

Selolwane is represented by Mr Ofentse Khumomotse.

The trial was postponed to January 25, 26 and 28 2027.