Two men have appeared before the Maun Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, charged with housebreaking and theft.
In the first count, Meshack Sibanda (45) and Othusitse Thebeetsile (27), are alleged to have, on or about August 27, 2025, at or near Disaneng Ward in Maun, broken into a house belonging to Mooketsi Phalalo with the intent to steal.
In the second charge, the two are accused of stealing property belonging to Phalalo, with the intent to permanently deprive him of the goods.
At the time of their arrest, police said the two men were linked to a series of burglaries and house break-ins that have affected the village since early August. Their arrests led to the recovery of stolen property worth around P200,000, though investigations suggest there may be more cases connected to the suspects.
Thebeetsile who originates from Mmanaka village and Sibanda, a Zimbabwean national are both suspected to have been involved in several burglary cases reported around Maun.
According to Maun Police Station Commander Superintendent Joseph Lepodise, the recovered items came from various households and included furniture, electrical appliances, clothing, and shoes.
When opposing their bail application, Investigating Officer Detective Constable Alphios Munamaba told the court that the first accused, Sibanda, is a former convict who previously served a sentence for a similar offence. He added that the accused also has two pending cases and does not possess travel documents, meaning he is in the country illegally. Munamaba argued that releasing him on bail would not be wise as he appears to have a pattern of committing similar crimes.
For the second accused, Thebeetsile, the investigating officer stated that he is currently on bail for another burglary and theft case. He also faces a defilement case before the Francistown Magistrate’s Court, where he allegedly absconded, causing the case to be withdrawn until he appears again.
However, presiding Magistrate, Gofaone Moseu stated that even though the first accused is an ex-convict, it does not mean he should automatically be denied bail, as he is currently a suspect like any other. She ordered that a follow-up be made on the defilement case involving the second accused and remanded both men in custody until October 23, when their bail ruling will be made.
