A married man, whose wife recently gave birth back home in Zim, is accused of impregnating his ex-girlfriend’s underage daughter.
Arrested and charged with defilement, the 34-year-old suspect, who cannot be named due to his close relationship with the 16-year-old victim, appeared before Francistown Magistrates Court recently, where he boasted of his ability to take care of both baby mamas.
Seemingly unaware of just how serious the charge against him is, with defilement carrying a minimum ten-year prison sentence for those found guilty, the accused referred to the teenager as his girlfriend.
“I am the one taking care of the victim, who is my girlfriend and the mother of our two weeks old baby. My wife in Zimbabwe also has a four months old baby. I also have children attending school in Zim and they all rely on me,” he told court, unable to keep the pride out of his voice and seemingly expecting a pat on the back for his baby-making prowess.
According to sources close to the case, the suspect had been staying with his local lover in Makomoto, a small village near Tonota.
However, the relationship ended and they separated amicably, with the woman moving out of the house but allowing her daughter to remain behind with her now ex.
Left alone, man and child started a love affair, with the teen falling pregnant in April last year and giving birth to a baby girl on 28 December.
However, the new dad’s joy was short-lived when the teen’s concerned relatives reported the matter to the police on 4th January.
Within a week he was detained, with an additional charge of being in Botswana illegally adding to his woes.
Having pleaded guilty to this lesser crime, his hopes at getting bail were effectively dashed as he was deemed a flight risk.
Remanded in custody as investigations continue, he is due back in court on Thursday 22 January.
