Qacha’s Nek, Dec. 22 — The Qacha’s Nek Magistrate Court has granted bail to a 20 year-old man accused of statutory rape.
Magistrate Ponts’o Jankie-Lehasa granted Paseka Pakisi of Ha Mpiti, following his brief court appearance on a charge of sexual offence in contravention of Section 8(1) of the Sexual Offences Act No. 3 of 2003, read together with Section 32(a)(vi).
The court heard that on December 13, 2025, Pakisi allegedly raped a 14-year-old girl.
Despite the seriousness of the charge, the accused was admitted to bail under strict conditions.
These include the payment of M1,000 bail which he failed to pay, non-interference with crown witnesses, particularly the complainant, and non-tampering with police investigations.
He is also required to surrender his passport to the clerk of court and provide a Lesotho citizen residing in Qacha’s Nek as a surety, backed by property valued at M5,000.
During the bail hearing, the complainant did not oppose the application.
However, the Crown Counsel, ’Mantsebo Mofoka objected, arguing that the accused had lived in South Africa for the past five years, raising a high risk that he may abscond and fail to stand trial.
She further warned that the accused and the complainant reside in the same village, increasing the likelihood of witness interference.
Pakisi was remanded to January 2, 2026, for set down.
Statutory rape is defined as non-forcible sexual activity involving a person below the age of legal consent.
Under the Penal Code Act No. 6 of 2010, any sexual contact with a minor is prohibited, with consent deemed legally irrelevant.
A defence is only considered if the accused can reasonably prove they believed the child was of legal age.
The case mirrors a broader national concern over sexual offences involving young men.
The Lesotho Correctional Services (LCS) has previously reported that reformatory institutions are heavily populated by young offenders, noting that most rape cases involve men aged between 18 and 35.
This case once again highlights the persistent challenge of sexual offences against minors in Lesotho.
As courts balance the rights of accused persons with the protection of vulnerable children, the growing number of young offenders underscores the urgent need for stronger community awareness, effective law enforcement, and decisive judicial action to safeguard minors and deter sexual violence.
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