The Maun Magistrate’s Court has set March 30th, 2026, as the date for a bail ruling for Lebogang Patrick, a 36-year-old man from Qabo village accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend, Keotshephile Mokhutshwane.
Patrick is alleged to have attacked and stabbed Mokhutshwane with a sharp object at her residence in Toteng Village on December 23rd, 2025.
During the proceedings on Monday, Investigating Officer (IO) Kealeboga Shepherd testified that the accused had previously threatened to kill the deceased. Shepherd told the court that Mokhutshwane, who worked at Khoemacau Copper Mine, reported a threatening phone call from Patrick on November 30th, 2025. In the call, Patrick allegedly stated, “I am coming from Qabo to your place to cut your vagina with a knife, and later on kill myself.”
Following the threat, Shepherd advised the deceased to relocate from the Khoemacau Copper Mine residence camp for her safety; she subsequently moved to Toteng. The IO noted that his initial attempts to reach the accused by phone were unsuccessful.
Mokhutshwane reportedly filed a second report against Patrick with the Maun Police on December 2nd, 2025. Shepherd testified that when he finally reached the accused, Patrick claimed he was on a bus passing Toteng and heading to the station. However, Patrick failed to appear, and subsequent police efforts to locate him were unsuccessful.
The prosecution alleges that on December 23rd, Patrick visited the deceased’s home and attacked her as she was heading to an outdoor latrine. He allegedly stabbed her to death before fleeing with her mobile phone. The incident was reported by a male acquaintance of the deceased, who arrived at the scene shortly after the attack.
The IO further testified that while police were at the scene, the acquaintance received a threatening Facebook message from the accused that read, “I am going to kill you,” accompanied by insults.
A nationwide manhunt followed, involving the Special Support Group in Gantsi and the Botswana Police Service. On December 26th, police located Patrick, but he evaded arrest, leaving behind the deceased’s phone, a school bag, and boots, which were seized as evidence. He was eventually apprehended in Kanye on January 4th, 2026.
Applying for bail, Patrick told Magistrate Gofaone Mosweu that he needs to be released to engage a lawyer. He also pleaded for release to care for his children and livestock, noting that his rented apartment remains unpaid and the keys are currently held by the police. Patrick promised the court he would strictly adhere to all bail conditions if released.
Magistrate Mosweu adjourned the matter until March 30th for the final bail ruling.
