Botha-Bothe, Apr. 23 — The magistrate’s court in Botha-Bothe today dealt with three separate rape cases involving three different suspects.
In the first case, Magistrate ‘Mamosebatho Kantoro read charges against 19 year-old Sello Sello of Motete, accused of violating sections 8(1) and 32(a)(vi) of the Sexual Offences Act No. 3 of 2003 (Child Molestation).
The court was informed that on December 10, 2023 at Ha Mahlakefane, Sello allegedly raped an 8 year-old girl. He was granted bail of M1000, with a hearing scheduled for June 24, 2024.
The second case involved a 22 year-old Teboho Maleoa, charged under sections 3(1)(2) and 32(2)(iii) of the same act. It is alleged that on January 30, 2022 at Ha Motete Makhoakhoang, Maleoa attempted to rape 23 years old Palesa Lesesa.
According to the prosecution, Maleoa threw Lesesa to the ground, undressed her and threatened her with a knife but failed to complete the act. Maleoa, who had fled to South Africa following the incident, was only arrested upon his return this month. He has been granted bail of M1000 and is set to reappear in court on August 27, 2024.
In the third case, a 25 year-old Neo Mahlatsi from Ha Mahlekefane faced charges under Section 3(2) of the Sexual Offences Act.
Magistrate Relebohile Khongoane stated that Mahlatsi is accused of raping 21 year-old Nkhalleng Mokhupi on January 1, 2022 at Ha Mahlekefane. Mahlatsi was granted bail of M1200 and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on May 6, 2024 when a trial date will be set.
In the other news, 36 year-old Lithebe Ntele of ‘Moteng appeared before the Botha-Bothe Magistrate’s court on charges of housebreaking. According to the charges, Ntele broke into the house of Mokhethi Makhabane, which was under the care of Mapheko Makhabane.
Advocate Molatonyane, pleading for bail, emphasized that Ntele is the primary breadwinner for his family, which includes three children and an unemployed wife. Ntele was granted free bail and is due back in court on September 26, 2024.
