'Sex pest' in court for defilement
Lebogang Mosikare | Tuesday January 31, 2023 06:00
The state alleges that Moiteela Setimela, 43, of Maaloso ward in Tonota raped an eight-year-old minor on January 10 in Manyanda ward in Tonota.
After the charge was read to Setimela, he elected to conduct his own defence. The prosecutor, Fanilo Manyapedza then made an application for plea to be reserved.
“We make an application for plea in the matter to be reserved because our investigations are still fresh. This matter was reported to us yesterday at night and the accused was subsequently arrested hence the social welfare officer is not present in court.
The complainants have been taken to a Gynecologist for medical assessments today. We therefore pray with the court to remand the accused in custody in order to allow us to complete our investigations,” said Manyapedza.
After that, it emerged that there is a possibility for Setimela to be charged with defiling another minor aged two in due course. This arose after Manyapedza told the court that two complainants have been taken to the Gynecologist for assessments. Asked by Magistrate Tshepo Magetse how he was related to the complainants, Setimela said: “I am in love with the minors’ grandmother. I am also staying with minors’ grandmother.” Magetse then told Setimela not to say anything more than what he has already told the court because he will get his opportunity to tell his side of the story during trial, adding: “I don’t want you to incriminate yourself.
I will entertain your application for bail after the social welfare officer is enlisted in this matter. The court will work in the best interests of the minor in this matter.
The complainant should be protected from you because you told the court that you live with her grandmother.” Magetse added: “I want to make sure that if I grant you bail, you will not interact with the complainant.
The Children’s Act says that in this kind of matters, bail pending trial should only be considered after the social welfare officer files an assessment report in addition to your previous convictions and pending criminal matters, if any. Therefore, you shall be remanded in custody until February 13.”