TONOTA MOTHER DENIED BAIL OVER CHILD NEGLECT

Article By: Charity Baitsiwe

A 31-year-old Tonota woman was remanded in custody yesterday after appearing before Francistown Magistrate Ditebogo Ntuli on a charge of child neglect.

Mpho Motlhanka is accused of neglecting her four children, aged 11, 9, 8, and 6, last week, leaving them exposed to danger due to the damaged windows and door of their home.

Investigating Officer Diamond Rakwatse opposed bail, revealing that the accused is suicidal and had sent threatening messages to relatives, warning them to stay away or she would end her life.

He argued that releasing her could put both her and the children at further risk.

The court ordered her remand in custody to allow for a social welfare assessment of the family and a psychiatric evaluation at Jubilee Hospital.

Motlhanka is scheduled to reappear in court on April 3, 2025.