Murder accused Samotse escapes from hospital

Sharon Mathala | Wednesday October 22, 2014 17:05

 Samotse was extradited from South Africa in August igniting a diplomatic firestorm between the two countries.

His escape was confirmed by the Prison’s spokesperson Wamorena Ramolefhe on Tuesday. He said that the 27-year-old was in hospital when he escaped and the prison officials together with other members of law enforcement are attempting to recapture him.

“He is not armed because he escaped from custody while in hospital. We plead with members of the public to avail any information that could help with the arrest of the fugitive as he is facing a serious charge of murder,” he said.

Samotse faces a charge of murder after he allegedly stabbed to death his then 20-year-old girlfriend, Tshiamo Kgati three years ago in Francistown.

Previously, Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) and LegalAid South Africa expressed their displeasure at the extradition imposed on Samotse.aThe lawyers said in a statement issued in September that Samotse was deported back after fighting to prevent his extradition. The lawyers pleaded with the ministry to engage with the government of Botswana to ensure that Samotse will not face the death penalty if convicted.

“Despite our enquiry to the authorities of Botswana, about whether or not they gave an assurance to the South African Government that Samotse would not face the death penalty, we still have not received a response.

“In a context where secrecy has surrounded the way the death penalty is carried out in Botswana, we are concerned for the safety and well-being of Mr Samotse,” read the statement.

Samotse, who was arrested in March 2010 on a charge of murder, fled to South Africa on March 14, 2011 where he was incarcerated, but escaped and was rearrested and subsequently sentenced to six years’ imprisonment on March 22, 2012.

On July 3, 2014, the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services in South Africa issued an order that he should not be surrendered to stand trial on a murder charge in Botswana. 

However on August 13 he was handed to Botswana authorities and was repatriated to Botswana.