A 41-year-old man of Maun charged for the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend by setting her alight is set to undergo psychiatric assessment next week.
This comes after presiding magistrate, Keneilwe Kgoadi recommended for the accused person, Alfred Khohliwe to be placed in a mental institution where he will be evaluated and the report from the evaluation will then guide how the case will proceed.
Khohliwe who has been in custody since his arrest is alleged to have on the 6th March 2023 tried to burn his ex-girlfriend shortly after his escape from a psychiatric ward. Following the escape, Khohliwe is alleged to have then gone to assault the victim to a point of unconsciousness before dousing her with a flammable substance and set her on fire.
It is said that the accused person was arrested on that day while the victim was taken to Bokamoso Private Hospital where she underwent two major surgeries, while she remained unconscious to date.
The accused is also facing a single count of rape after reportedly forcing himself on the same victim on Valentine’s Day, this year. The victim is said to be the one who recommended for the accused person to seek mental health assistance.
Giving an update on the matter this week, prosecution indicated that it had managed to secure a psychiatric assessment slot for the accused person on the 25th May 2023.
Prosecution has revealed that the victim has not yet gained consciousness since the day of the incident. The court was also informed that the victim has since been transferred from Bokamoso Private Hospital to Princess Marina Hospital.
Prosecution revealed that they are still waiting for the forensic report as well as to collect a statement from one witness whom they said is currently at the delta and will be coming back at the end of May.
The accused person did not have any objection regarding the assessment and the date thereto.
Khohliwe was previously denied bail on grounds that the serious nature of the charges filed against him has much reason for him to flee if granted bail. He will appear on the 13th of June 2023 for status update on the psychiatric report.
