- Mother details the severe psychological toll on her daughter
A mother whose daughter was allegedly defiled by her biological father has narrated the severe emotional and psychological trauma the child continues to endure, including multiple suicide attempts.
Testifying before Maun Magistrate Gofaone Mosweu, the woman described how her daughter’s life has drastically changed since the alleged incidents. The accused is charged with having unlawful carnal knowledge of his daughter without her consent between July and September 2023 at Senonnori Ward in Maun.
During mitigation submissions, defense attorney Benny Tawonesvi of Kebonyemodisa Attorneys urged the court to exercise leniency. He cited the accused’s clean criminal record and his role as the family breadwinner, arguing that imprisonment would cause the breakdown of the family structure and create hardship for other minor dependents. Tawonesvi further submitted that the accused has been cooperative and has demonstrated good behaviour while in custody.
However, the victim’s mother painted a starkly different picture, describing her daughter as a deeply traumatised child who is “no longer the same.”
“She is very emotional and suffers from panic attacks. She often faints and is frequently unwell,” the court heard.
The mother testified that the child’s education has been severely disrupted, noting that she is frequently called to collect the girl from school due to sudden illness. She added that her daughter is currently undergoing counselling, has been hospitalised multiple times, and is on medication for depression.
The court further heard that the child has attempted suicide on three occasions.
“In the most recent incident, she attempted to use a knife. On another occasion, I was called to the school after she cut her wrists with a broken bottle and lost a lot of blood,” the mother said. In a third instance, the girl reportedly attempted to hang herself.
According to her mother, the girl remains in deep distress, often mentioning her father and blaming herself, stating she believes he “wanted her to die.”
Prosecutor Kebawetse Moremi informed the court that a key witness has yet to testify due to logistical challenges and requested a further postponement.
Magistrate Mosweu, however, indicated that the matter cannot be delayed indefinitely, noting the case has already taken a considerable amount of time. She suggested that alternative arrangements, such as virtual testimony, be considered to expedite the process.
The trial is set to continue on May 5 for the final witnesses. The accused remains in custody.
