A 16-year-old schoolboy who was shot and injured while stealing electric cables in Molepolole on Sunday is recovering at Princess Marina Referral Hospital in Gaborone.
The 76-year-old man who shot and broke the teenager’s leg said that he had decided to guard his property with a gun after some of the electric cables he had bought for his construction project were stolen on Thursday night.
“I had just locked the gate when I heard footsteps in the yard. I looked around and found the boy hiding on the verandah and as soon as he saw me, he bolted,” said the old man.
Confirming the incident, Molepolole Station Commander, Superintendent Benedict Matlho, said according to the old man’s statement, he fired a warning shot trying to stop the boy but the bullet hit him on the right leg and injured him.
“The boy jumped over the wall and escaped. However, the old man phoned the neighbourhood watch group, who traced the boy to his home and arrested him. He is recovering at Princess Marina Hospital,” explained Superintendent Matlho.
Upon questioning, the boy allegedly confessed that he was the one who had broken into the old man’s house and stole the missing cables the previous week.
The teenager faces a possible charge of criminal trespass, and could be liable to a prison term not exceeding one year if found guilty.
“I’m not sure how it will end, I cannot confirm if the owner of the yard will be charged or not. it will depend on the investigations which are still underway right now,” said the police boss, who went on to urge parents to protect, guide and look after their children.