Maseru, Feb. 23 — Over 10 days have passed since the reported rape of a 13 year-old girl from Nyakosoba, some 13 kilometres from Roma, yet no arrests have been made due to the mother’s failure to return a required medical form.
Superintendent ‘Mamokheseng Mphofe, Commander of the Roma Police Station, stated that her office has decided to seek out the girl and take her for a medical examination, despite concerns that the mother may not be cooperating. Superintendent Mphofe emphasized the importance of parental consent in the legal process, noting that the law does not allow them to proceed without the involvement of the girl’s parents.
According to information obtained by the Lesotho News Agency (LENA) on February 10, a concerned parent informed teachers at Nyakosoba Primary School about the sexual assault of one of their students by a 24 year-old man.
This man had been sent to the victim’s home by the latter’s brother who was at a cattle-post at the time, to get his gumboots.
Due to inclement weather, the victim’s mother advised that it was unsafe for the suspect to return to the cattle-post that night, suggesting he stayed until morning.
While at the house, the suspect reportedly sat between the victim’s legs while she combed his hair, during which he allegedly stroked her thighs.
The situation is alleged to have escalated when a power outage occurred, then other occupants heard heavy breathing. When the victim’s sister used a torch to investigate, she discovered the two were having sex and questioned their mother about her inaction.
The mother claimed she was unaware of the incident but then checked her daughter, finding semen on the girl’s underwear and thighs. Following this, the suspect left the scene, and the mother remained silent about the events.
Subsequently, the victim’s brother returned from the cattle-post and allegedly assaulted their sister for questioning their mother, reportedly because the suspect is a friend. Shortly thereafter, the same suspect returned to the house, and it is claimed that the victim and the suspect had sex again after they were left alone by the victim’s brother.
Neither incident was reported to authorities by the mother until a village resident brought it to the attention of the area chief, who then referred the matter to the police. However, the girl’s mother has still not approached law enforcement, allegedly due to the suspect’s claim that he intends to marry her daughter in the future.
Ends/MP/tl
