/ 18 January 1999

EXECUTION HALTED

A BOTSWANA judge granted an eleventh-hour stay of execution for two men due to be hanged for murder on Saturday amid an outcry from human rights groups that the men were convicted on circumstantial evidence. Justice Reynolds ruled late Friday night that the death sentences for Gwara Brown Motswetla, and Tlhabologang Phetolo Maauwe were unconstitutional. Reynolds made an interim order that the hangings be permanently stayed. The matter is due in court again on February 22.