BDF soldiers clash in court over P1000 love gift
In a surprising turn of events, a dispute between two Botswana Defense Force (BDF) soldiers over money given during a brief love affair has found its way to Lobatse Magistrate's Court.
Corporal Mothusi Kenosi (47) has taken legal action against his junior colleague, Lance Corporal Oteng Kgoponyane (32), over P2,000 he claims to have loaned her during their two-week romance. The case is presided over by Principal Magistrate Tshoganetso Atamelang, with fellow soldier Aobakwe Ranchobolo testifying for Kenosi.
Kenosi asserts that the money was a loan, while Kgoponyane insists it was a love gift. Kenosi expressed frustration in court, stating that Kgoponyane blocked him when she was supposed to repay the P2,000—P1,000 in cash and another P1,000 sent via cellphone. Despite his feelings for her, Kenosi claims the relationship never materialized.
Kgoponyane, however, maintains that they dated but never engaged in sexual relations. She stated that during their interactions, Kenosi often sent her money as a gift. Both soldiers presented printed copies of their SMS communication in court, where Kgoponyane accused Kenosi of attempting to buy sex from her. She insisted she would never sleep with him as she had a small baby and was still in confinement.
During their conversations, Kenosi told the court that Kgoponyane mentioned needing to attend a friend’s funeral and that her car required service and fuel. Initially asking to borrow P2,500, she settled for P2,000, which he loaned her in 2021. To this day, she has not repaid the money.
Kenosi reported the matter to the main Kgotla in Rakhuna village, where they are based, but the case was never resolved. He even enlisted the help of colleagues to convince Kgoponyane to repay him, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Principal Magistrate Atamelang criticized the soldiers, stating that the case was an embarrassment to the army and should have been settled within the BDF camp. "Go tlala goo ko kampeng, P2000 ke ene a ka le tlatsang le naga!" the magistrate teased before asking if he should continue with the case.
Testifying for Kenosi, Ranchobolo said they spoke to Kgoponyane, who admitted owing Kenosi P1,000 and promised to repay it but never followed through. He also noted that Kenosi and Kgoponyane had intentions of dating.
In her defense, Kgoponyane maintained that they were dating and that the P1,000 she received was a gift. "Nna monna yo ga ke mo kolote, madi a ke a itseng ke a a mphileng," she retorted, denying ever being handed an additional P1,000. She claimed to have ended the relationship after returning from the funeral and insisted the money was a love gift.
When the magistrate asked if she had received any other money besides the P1,000, Kgoponyane admitted she had but said it was a small amount and couldn’t recall the exact figure. Kenosi then pleaded with the court to ask Kgoponyane if she had ever loved him.
Principal Magistrate Atamelang reiterated that the case was an embarrassment, emphasizing that soldiers should not bring such petty disputes before civilians. He told Kenosi that he should have handled the matter privately instead of bringing shame to the army. The magistrate pointed out that some men build houses or buy cars for their lovers without demanding them back when relationships end.
Turning to Kgoponyane, the magistrate highlighted that the printed phone communication showed her admitting to receiving money from Kenosi. The court ruled that Kgoponyane must repay Kenosi P2,000, plus 30 percent interest and the P60 case registration fee. Failure to pay will result in her property being attached and sold to settle the debt.
Corporal Mothusi Kenosi (47) has taken legal action against his junior colleague, Lance Corporal Oteng Kgoponyane (32), over P2,000 he claims to have loaned her during their two-week romance. The case is presided over by Principal Magistrate Tshoganetso Atamelang, with fellow soldier Aobakwe Ranchobolo testifying for Kenosi.
Kenosi asserts that the money was a loan, while Kgoponyane insists it was a love gift. Kenosi expressed frustration in court, stating that Kgoponyane blocked him when she was supposed to repay the P2,000—P1,000 in cash and another P1,000 sent via cellphone. Despite his feelings for her, Kenosi claims the relationship never materialized.
Kgoponyane, however, maintains that they dated but never engaged in sexual relations. She stated that during their interactions, Kenosi often sent her money as a gift. Both soldiers presented printed copies of their SMS communication in court, where Kgoponyane accused Kenosi of attempting to buy sex from her. She insisted she would never sleep with him as she had a small baby and was still in confinement.
During their conversations, Kenosi told the court that Kgoponyane mentioned needing to attend a friend’s funeral and that her car required service and fuel. Initially asking to borrow P2,500, she settled for P2,000, which he loaned her in 2021. To this day, she has not repaid the money.
Kenosi reported the matter to the main Kgotla in Rakhuna village, where they are based, but the case was never resolved. He even enlisted the help of colleagues to convince Kgoponyane to repay him, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Principal Magistrate Atamelang criticized the soldiers, stating that the case was an embarrassment to the army and should have been settled within the BDF camp. "Go tlala goo ko kampeng, P2000 ke ene a ka le tlatsang le naga!" the magistrate teased before asking if he should continue with the case.
Testifying for Kenosi, Ranchobolo said they spoke to Kgoponyane, who admitted owing Kenosi P1,000 and promised to repay it but never followed through. He also noted that Kenosi and Kgoponyane had intentions of dating.
In her defense, Kgoponyane maintained that they were dating and that the P1,000 she received was a gift. "Nna monna yo ga ke mo kolote, madi a ke a itseng ke a a mphileng," she retorted, denying ever being handed an additional P1,000. She claimed to have ended the relationship after returning from the funeral and insisted the money was a love gift.
When the magistrate asked if she had received any other money besides the P1,000, Kgoponyane admitted she had but said it was a small amount and couldn’t recall the exact figure. Kenosi then pleaded with the court to ask Kgoponyane if she had ever loved him.
Principal Magistrate Atamelang reiterated that the case was an embarrassment, emphasizing that soldiers should not bring such petty disputes before civilians. He told Kenosi that he should have handled the matter privately instead of bringing shame to the army. The magistrate pointed out that some men build houses or buy cars for their lovers without demanding them back when relationships end.
Turning to Kgoponyane, the magistrate highlighted that the printed phone communication showed her admitting to receiving money from Kenosi. The court ruled that Kgoponyane must repay Kenosi P2,000, plus 30 percent interest and the P60 case registration fee. Failure to pay will result in her property being attached and sold to settle the debt.
