Court hears sodomised boy complained of anal pain
Pini Bothoko | Thursday November 2, 2017 11:34
Dr Lebaka Bongo told the Broadhurst Magistrates Court yesterday that the youngster, who is now 17-years-old, had reported to Princess Marina Hospital’s emergency unit in July 2012.
The alleged rapist, who is not named to protect the identity of the victim, stands accused of two counts of rape and indecent assault in connection with an incident that allegedly took place at Ginger location, Broadhurst. The incident reportedly took place on July 27, 2012.
Dr Bongo said he first attended to the boy before the allegations of sexual assault arose.
“The boy complained of pains on the anus and had bruising on the right thigh. He had also sustained bruising on the left hand up to the shoulder.
“Besides this, there were no other findings and the state of his reproductive organs was normal,” the doctor said. During cross-examination, State prosecutor, Tshegofatso Molelekeng asked the doctor whether the injuries sustained were the result of force or trauma. She asked what could have caused the anal pain the boy reported and whether such pain was normal for a 12-year old boy.
Bongo said the bruising could occur in instances of trauma such as when a person’s hands are dragged or pushed forcefully on something rough. “In normal circumstances, a 12-year-old boy cannot complain about anal pain but different circumstances like having diarrhoea or after suffering trauma around the anal area can lead to that.
“In this case where I later learnt about the allegations, it could be possible that force was used on his anal area.
“In normal circumstances a 12-year-old cannot be involved in anal sexual activities, so it is possible that the pain could have been the result of assault. However, the court should note that I conducted tests and there was no sign of penetration,” Dr Bongo said.
To establish a case beyond reasonable doubt, the suspect wanted to know whether Bongo had any other evidence of the assault apart from his examination.
“Usually for sexual assault cases, doctors have to do tests like taking semen for testing to prove that indeed there was penetration,” said the 26-year old.
He further asked the doctor, “Was that ever conducted? Did you find any semen? Also, I was never summoned to the hospital for any tests”. Dr Bongo explained that when a patient suspected to have been sexually assaulted is brought to the hospital by police, the person is usually accompanied by an assault kit used to test the patient.
“In this case I did tests and there was no penetration but the patient complained of pain and claimed to have been sexually abused,” he said. “Suspects can be brought later for DNA tests.” The trial continues on November 15.