Car wash operator pleads guilty to defilement
Lebogang Mosikare | Monday January 24, 2022 15:39
Olateleng Taunyane – who works at a car wash – reportedly committed the offence on September 6, 2021, in the same area.
Taunyane pleaded guilty before Senior Magistrate Thapelo Buang after prosecutor Olga Khumoetsile made an application for a plea in the matter to be taken.
Khumoetsile also told the court that investigations are not yet complete adding that the prosecution is awaiting the statement of the Investigating Officer (IO) to be able to wrap up.
Khumoetsile, however, said that the prosecution was not opposed to Taunyane being granted bail. Asked if he had anything to say concerning what Khumoetsile had said, Taunyane did not offer a response.
Magistrate Buang then granted Taunyane bail on the condition that he does not commit any offence whilst on bail and shall come to court as and when required to do so.
Taunyane will come to court on March 7, 2022, for the presentation of facts.
Meanwhile, 38-year-old Modisaotsile Mpatane of Mpatane ward in Mathangwane village in the Central District appeared before Chief Magistrate Mareledi Dipate to answer for a single count of defilement.
According to the charge sheet, Mpatane allegedly committed the offence on a 13-year-old girl on an unknown date last year.
Mpatane is also facing a separate charge of grievous bodily harm. He allegedly perpetrated the latter offence against Katlego Majase on March 15 in 2020 at Mpatane ward.
Prosecutor Moatlhodi Macheng from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions told the court that the state was not opposed to the accused being granted bail.
“The prosecution is not opposed to the accused being granted bail. The papers of the accused are not yet ready. The court should also remind the accused to come with his attorney during the next court mention,” Macheng said.
Mpatane said that he had nothing to say after Dipate asked him if he had anything to state concerning the prosecution's statement.
Mpatane will appear in court on March 10, 2022, for mention.