Pathologist’s testimony of the shooting goes against police narrative
The inquest into the controversial death of Motlotlegi Aubrey Mongale took a dramatic turn at the Village Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (9 October), with forensic evidence and witness testimony challenging the police’s narrative of the shooting.
The 30-year-old, who was on the police’s most wanted list for alleged armed robberies, was shot dead on 9 September 2022 inside a room at Mewes Park Lodge in Block 5, Gaborone.
Police claimed he died during a fierce exchange of gunfire after allegedly confronting officers with a pistol.
However, delivering her testimony, Botswana Forensic Unit Pathologist, Dr. Dumiso Nkosana revealed Mongale was shot multiple times, with wounds found on his left leg and left side of his back indicating the bullets entered from behind.
Dr. Nkosana concluded the victim was facing the other direction when he was shot, which contradicts the police’s claims Mongale was confronting them face-to-face.
The expert determined the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the thorax.
The police account was further discredited by the testimony of Masego Ruth Tlou, who had spent the night with Mongale.
Tlou, 33, testified that she woke up to find armed men already in the room and was chased outside naked. She stressed that she did not witness a shootout but instead claimed she saw Mongale already pinned face down on the floor by three men claiming to be police officers.
Concerns were also raised regarding the investigation's handling of the crime scene.
Crime Scene Investigator, Phuthegelo found Mongale lying face up in a pool of blood with a pistol beside him.
However, when pressed as the facts were contradictory to what the pathologist had presented, the Detective Sergeant admitted she could not rule out the possibility the scene may have been tampered with before her arrival.
The ongoing inquest, presided over by Chief Magistrate, Daniel Nkau, aims to determine whether Mongale died lawfully during a legitimate police operation or whether foul play was involved.
Mongale’s death has been the subject of heavy public debate, with questions of alleged police brutality resurfacing.
Testimony from more police officers is expected as the inquest continues on 24 October.
