[Deathpenalty] death penalty news----worldwide

[Rick Halperin]

Jan. 16



SOUTH AFRICA/BOTSWANA:

Botswana, S/Africa in diplomatic row over death penalty



South Africa are at loggerheads over a case in which a man from Botswana was 
mysteriously extradited to face murder charges in Botswana, APA learnt here on 
Friday.The Attorney General Athaliah Molokomme said that they have indeed 
received some correspondences from South Africa pertaining to the matter.

Molokomme argues that the South African officials know that they violated the 
law in sending Samotse to Botswana hence their illegitimate accusations.

Samotse had been in the custody of the South African authorities but he was 
accidentally released and extradited to face murder charges in Botswana by that 
country's Home Affairs officials who were later suspended.

The South African department of Home Affairs spokesperson, Mayihlome Tshwete 
said he was in long a meeting and could not entertain questions.

South African courts forbid the extradition of suspects facing murder to 
Botswana unless there is an assurance from authorities that they would not be 
hanged if found guilty.

(source: Star Africa)