Berea, September 23 — Basia Maseli aged 20, from Futhong Ha Nthoena in the Berea district, was arrested on September 17 for allegedly sexually assaulting a 17 year-old mentally disabled girl from Tsokung.
It is alleged that Maseli pursued the victim in May, and they agreed to be in a relationship. A few days later, the suspect visited the girl, and they reportedly engaged in sexual activity. The following morning, the victim’s mother discovered them together and reported the matter to the police.
Lieutenant General Relebohile Mahula stated that this is a case of sexual harassment, as the victim’s mental disability prevents her from giving legal consent. “This is sexual harassment because the girl is mentally challenged and cannot consent to such acts,” he said.
Mahula also raised concern over the growing number of sexual violence cases in the district. ”Berea is ranked third in the country, after Maseru and Mohale’s Hoek, for the highest number of rape cases. Within Berea, Mapoteng is the leading area,” he added.
Maseli appeared in court on September 18th and was granted bail of M1,500 and a surety of M15,000. However, he failed to meet both conditions and remains in custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 30th.
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