Teen allegedly rapes five-year-old cousin

Pini Bothoko | Tuesday November 14, 2017 16:41

 

The alleged rapist, who is not named to protect the identity of the victim, stands accused of a single count of rape that allegedly took place on November 7 at a yard where the suspect and victim resides. The accused was arrested on the same day of the alleged offence.

Representing the prosecution, Tsogo Rantopa told the court that investigations on the matter were still ongoing, pleading for the accused person to be remanded in custody.

“Investigations into the matter are still at an initial stage. We are still awaiting forensic results to confirm the alleged offence. I would however, like this court to note that the victim in this matter is a minor, hence requesting a court order for social workers at Gabane to be engaged to interview the victim,” Rantopa said.

Rantopa requested stringent bail conditions for the accused among them that he should not come close to the victim and not to interfere with the witnesses.

When asked by Magistrate Gennai Johnson where he will reside if granted bail since one of the State’s conditions was for him not to come close to the victim, the accused said he will relocate to Molepolole to stay with his uncle who was present in court.

Johnson granted the accused personal bail on conditions that he should pay the sum of P5,000 and provide two sureties who are blood related, employed and to bind themselves with the sum of P5,000 each.

“The two sureties should be Batswana and are ordered to provide the court with their permanent residence,” Johnson said.

The magistrate ordered the accused person not to come about 100 metres close to the victim and should not in any way contact the victim.

“Make sure you attend court when needed and to report to the Mogoditshane police station CID office once a week,” Johnson said.

The suspect is due in court again on November 27 for mention where the prosecution will update the court on the progress of their investigations.