Woman admits to arson, blames pregnancy blues
After pleading guilty to causing malicious damage to property, a woman who set her baby daddy’s car on fire said she did it because of pregnancy blues.
33-year-old Thato Thobega changed the circumstances of the case after facts presentation today (Wednesday) in Thamaga before Gender Based Violence sensitive Magistrate Keabetswe Majuta.
The magistrate ruled that since Thobega did not admit committing the offence intentionally the case must be referred to trial.
According to the facts read before court, the boyfriend Kenano Pholo alleged that on the fateful day March 6th, 2020 around 1300 hrs he went to Gaborone with his cousin Onthatile Motlokwa driving his white corolla valued at P18, 000.
While in Gaborone he received a phone call from his girlfriend (Thobega), asking him to stop by her place in Gaborone West.
Upon Pholo’s arrival, Thobega asked for a ride to go and buy petrol for a generator, which was to be collected by her sister’s child in Mmankgodi.
After buying 2litres of petrol Thobega is said to have refused to remain in Gaborone as she had agreed claiming she would get off at Sengaparile bus stop.
After she had bought the petrol an argument ensued and Pholo drove to Thamaga police station to report.
While he was still narrating the story to the police, Pholo was shocked to see a flame emerging from his car.
“He rushed outside only o be met by Thobega coming out of the car stating that she had set the car on fire and she was going to report herself to the police,” read the facts.
Pholo’s Omang card, driver’s licence bankcard and Orange money card burnt to ashes in the inferno.
During investigations Thobega allegedly admitted that she did it out of frustrations because her boyfriend was using the same car to cheat on her.
Magistrate Majuta ordered prosecution to furnish Thobega with the statements and summary of the case so she could prepare for trial.
The matter will be called for final case conference management on May 25th, 2021.