Man threatens to kill his childhood abuser
A 29-year-old man from Lotlhakane East, Kutlwano Walobaka was given a six-month suspended prison sentence for three years after threatening to kill the man who abused him during his childhood.
Details presented before the Kanye Magistrate Court revealed that Walobaka assaulted and threatened to kill Tshepo John Kerekang on April 30, 2023 alleging that Kerekang had abused him by beating him unnecessarily when he was just 11 years old, and he was too young to defend himself during that time.
The two met on the way while Walobaka was heading to a tuck shop, where Walobaka confronted Kerekang about the abuse from many years ago. It was stated in court that Walobaka, who was intoxicated during the incident, said Kerekang even threatened him with a knife when they were younger. Walobaka then proceeded to slap and kick Kerekang, as well as punch him in the face. The two were separated by eyewitnesses and Walobaka immediately vacated the scene.
It was stated in court that Walobaka even uttered the words, 'You threatened to kill me back then, and today I will kill you.' After experiencing the ordeal, Kerekang decided to report the incident to Walobaka's parents. He then threatened kill Kerekang in front of them, prompting the latter to report the matter to the police. During statements with the police, Walobaka revealed that he was beaten without reason by the complainant almost 17 years ago at a tender age. He expressed that it was now payback time.
Walobaka informed the presiding magistrate, Keneilwe Kgwadi, that he did not recall the events of that day when he threatened to kill his one time abuser. He also said he did not even remember giving a statement to the police officers as he was drunk at the time. Despite this, he pleaded guilty to the matter.
The court convicted Walobaka of the threat-to-kill offense, and his bail was revoked for a day. He was ordered to spend the night in prison, and the case resumed the next day. During his mitigation, Walobaka pleaded for leniency from the court, stating that he is the family breadwinner and that he struggled to maintain his two jobs while dealing with this case. He explained, "I take care of my siblings, I live in a single-parent household, and my mother is currently unwell. It was not my intention to commit the crime as I was drunk."
The magistrate said that she firmly believed the incident was not premeditated, considering Walobaka's state of being highly intoxicated. Consequently, he received a six-month prison sentence, suspended for three years.
Additionally, he was cautioned to refrain from committing any further crimes. The magistrate warned that any subsequent offense within the next three years would result in a six-month imprisonment. Walobaka was also reminded that the threat-to-kill offense carries a minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and was admonished to never engage in criminal activities again.