- ruling set for this Friday as state opposed the application
The bail ruling for the 46-year Obuile Lawrence of Disaneng ward in Maun charged with the murder of his 46-year-old girlfriend and mother of his four children has been set for this Friday (28th February).
Lawrence is said to have on or about the 8th February 2025 murdered his lover, Renenga Mahungo following a misunderstanding. Kefilwe Mahungo, the deceased’s sister aged 24 years is said to have discovered her motionless in her house. She was allegedly found naked, tied with a rope around her neck and her mouth covered with a cloth. The accused was arrested on the 9th February 2025 for further investigations.
Appearing before Maun Principal Magistrate Gofaone Mosweu, on Tuesday, Lawrence pleaded to be granted bail in order to care for his minor children arguing that he is the sole guardian. He indicated that he has four children with the deceased noting that the oldest is at tertiary, second is doing form two, third-form one while their last born is doing standard two.
The state objected the bail application with the investigations officer Detective Jacob Modisaemang pleading for the accused person to be further remanded in custody. He argued that his two children who witnessed the incident are still undergoing counseling therefore it will negatively affect them if the father goes back home within a short period after what transpired.
“The process of re-introducing the father needs to be discreet to avoid traumatising the children even more,” Modisaemang said.
He added that the three minor children are currently under the care of the deceased’s younger sister and they have since been enrolled in a boarding school where they are receiving counseling. Mosiamemang’s response followed after the accused person expressed worry about the welfare of the children while he is in custody.
He further argued that they are yet to collect statements from the accused person’s mother and sister as they are the ones he contacted after allegedly committing the offense on that fateful day. The presiding magistrate is expected to deliver ruling on the application on 28th February 2025.
