Police Probe Deepens As Slain Kenosi Was Targeted for Being Gay

Maun Police are actively investigating the death of a man believed to be linked to hatred over his sexual orientation.

Kenosi Candler Mokobamotho was laid to rest last Wednesday, following allegations of a hate crime.

According to Assistant Station Commander, Superintendent Moutwatsi Ikobeng, Mokobamotho’s three friends, whom he was spending the evening with at an entertainment spot, found him unconscious on the morning of August 30 and later died in hospital on September 2.

Ikobeng told The Midweek Sun that the deceased’s three friends are assisting with the investigation.

“They said he was drunk and unstable, so they left him on the way as they proceeded home to rest. When they checked on him the next morning, he was unconscious and he was exactly in the same spot they left him the previous night,” Ikobeng said.

He could not talk or walk properly when taken to the hospital.

“We don’t have more information on what exactly happened since the deceased could not speak to narrate what happened. So we are still investigating the matter and waiting for the post-mortem to help us determine the cause of death,” he said.

A source said that this tragic incident is not isolated in Maun township.

“This is the second time a gay man has been killed by a gang in Maun. People just don’t report these issues, but gay men face hatred from the community, especially at entertainment spots, something that is really worrisome,” he said.

Ikobeng also expressed concern over allegations that members of the LGBTQ+ community in Maun face hate crimes. In most cases, there are no reports, but they hear about the issues in corridors.

He reiterated that everyone is entitled to equal constitutional rights, regardless of sexual orientation, and urged the public to report such incidents so authorities can respond appropriately.

“To date, we have not logged any official hate crime reports related to sexual orientation, but we take these allegations seriously and call on the community to help us uphold justice and fairness,” Ikobeng said.