Judge Reynolds today granted DITSHWANELO - The Botswana Centre for Human Rights a postponement in the hearing of the execution case of Mr Tlhabologang Maauwe and Mr Gwara Brown Motswetla. The Attorney General had requested that the hearing be held today, Friday 22 January 1999. Instead, Judge Reynolds ruled that the date of hearing be 22 February 1999.

In terms of the original interim order which suspended the execution, the State had been given until 22 February 1999, to show cause why Maauwe and Motswetla should be executed. DITSHWANELO’s attorney, Mr Kgafela Kgafela, argued that postponement of the hearing from today to the original date was necessary to allow for adequate preparation as the matter is of extreme constitutional importance. In addition, he stated that DITSHWANELO intended to appoint an advocate.

The State challenged the right of DITSHWANELO to take this matter to court (locus standi). However, Judge Reynolds ruled that the issue of `locus standi’ could be dealt with at the hearing on 22 February 1999.

During the recess this morning, DITSHWANELO’s attorney, Mr Kgafela Kgafela, was able to consult the two (2) condemned men, Maauwe and Motswetla, for the first time. Both men expressed the desire to be directly involved in the matter. Consequently, Maauwe and Motswetla were included as participants in the case together with DITSHWANELO.

22 January 1999
Gaborone