Trial commencement for two men facing charges of housebreaking has been scheduled for December 3, 2026, before Maun Chief Magistrate, Reuben Sebetlela.
Meshack Sibanda, 46, and Othusitse Thebeetsile, 28, are accused of breaking into a house belonging to Mooketsi Phalalo at or near Disaneng Ward in Maun on or about August 27, 2025, with intent to steal. According to court documents, the two also face a second count of theft, in which they are accused of unlawfully taking property belonging to the said Phalalo with the intention of permanently depriving him of it.
Sibanda, a Zimbabwean national who has been in custody since their arraignment last year, was due to receive a bail ruling this week. However, the court found that there was no proof that Sibanda’s stay in Botswana was lawful, as his passport had expired in 2013. Chief Magistrate Sebetlela said the court could not release Sibanda on bail without proof that he could lawfully remain in the country.
“Since his passport has expired in 2013, he will be released to be an illegal immigrant. There should be either a work permit, valid passport or residential permit from him to be properly released on bail,” Sebetlela said.
The magistrate advised Sibanda to legalise his stay in Botswana, stressing that the court had no objection to granting him bail once the necessary documentation was in place. The court also heard that Sibanda is a former convict who previously served a sentence for a similar offence. He has two other pending cases and does not possess valid travel documents, meaning his stay in Botswana is currently unlawful. Sibanda and Thebeetsile are also suspected of having been involved in several burglary cases reported around Maun.
Meanwhile, Thebeetsile, who originates from Mmanaka village, had his bail withdrawn after he was recently re-arrested for failing to return to court. Sebetlela said Thebeetsile had demonstrated that he was a flight risk after failing to attend court on previous occasions. The court noted that the matter had been postponed several times because Thebeetsile could not be located, making it difficult for the case to proceed. He was therefore ordered to remain in custody until the matter is finalised.
Thebeetsile is currently on bail in another burglary and theft case. He also faces a defilement case before the Francistown Magistrate’s Court, which was reportedly withdrawn after he absconded and could not be located; however, the case remains subject to his future appearance before that court. The two accused are scheduled to appear for their next mention on September 28, 2026.
