Abused woman defends violent boyfriend in court
A Gender-Based Violence (GBV) case took an unexpected turn before the Molepolole Magistrates’ Court when the victim defended her abusive boyfriend and pleaded for him to be granted bail.
The complainant, 26-year-old Tsholofelo Omphile, testified that her boyfriend and father of her child, Malaki Goeme, 43, had strangled her with a gown belt on Sunday, and was rescued by family members, while the accused fled.
According to Omphile, her enraged boyfriend attacked unprovoked. Despite having previously reported him to the police for a threat to kill and common assault, she claimed in court that he never made any threatening statements.
“When he was at the police station, he called me asking for forgiveness. His parents also came to apologise,” she told court.
Magistrate Mmamerafe Phologo, seemingly surprised, asked why she had reported the case if there was no threat. Omphile responded, “Ke ne ke utlwile botlhoko, ke gateletswe ke maikutlo (I was hurt and overwhelmed by emotions).”
Omphile further told court that Goeme said he assaulted her because he was under so much stress, though he did not explain the source of his distress.
Despite her statement, Prosecutor Sergeant Koketso Motshoganetsi argued that the accused posed a danger and should remain in custody, a request the magistrate granted.
In his defence, Goeme claimed he was concerned about the welfare of their child.
“I was hurt because I was informed she left our child unattended, and I needed answers,” he said in admission to the assault.
Goeme, from Mokgalo ward, has been charged with two counts: threat to kill and common assault. According to the charge sheet, on June 29th, 2025, at Legotlhong ward, Molepolole, Goeme told Omphile, “Ke tsile go go bolaya gompieno. Ha ke sa go bolae gompieno, ke tsile go go latela ko tirong kamoso ke go bolaya teng,” which translates to: “I’m going to kill you today. If I don’t, I’ll follow you to work tomorrow and kill you there.”
He’ll remain in custody until his next court appearance on August 5th, 2025.
