STONED TO DEATH OVER A CIGARETTE

A 36-year-old man has died after allegedly being stoned by three young men during a dispute over cigarettes in Mochudi.

The incident, which attracted a crowd of onlookers, happened on February 28 in front of Choppies in Ntshinoge ward. Information gathered at the scene shows that what began as a disagreement quickly turned violent, ending in tragedy.

The suspects, aged 16, 19 and 20, attacked the man using stones, including rocks, inflicting severe head injuries. Two of the suspects are from Makgophana ward, while the third is from Mabodisa ward.

The assault was reportedly caused by a dispute over cigarettes.

By the time police arrived, the victim had sustained critical injuries. He was rushed to Princess Marina Hospital in Gaborone, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The trio initially faced a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, but following the victim’s death, the charge has been upgraded to murder. They are currently in custody in Mochudi.

Mochudi Station Commander, Superintendent Joel Masilo, said investigations are ongoing. He said police are still piecing together the sequence of events that led to the fatal confrontation.

Residents in Mochudi expressed shock at the brutal attack.