Headman faces defilement charges

Sharon Mathala | Thursday July 17, 2014 10:51

Pilane’s trial was scheduled to start before Mochudi Magistrate, Game Yuyi yesterday, but was postponed after Khumoetsile Tirelo successfully asked for a deferral.

According to papers before the court, Pilane is accused of sexually abusing an underage girl between 2010 and 2012, before the victim reported the instances to a social worker.

The State alleges that the victim, who was aged 16 at the time of reporting the abuse, had stayed with Pilane and was under his care for years when the incidents began to take place.

The matter, the State says, came to light when a social worker visited the home and received a report from the victim.

Yesterday, Tirelo said her schedule could not allow her to be present in court, since the trial required her commitment over consecutive days.

Yuyi ruled that the trial would take place between December 8 and 11, while Pilane will be required to attend mention on September 23.