Man pleads for reduced sentence

The appellant, Peter Bathaetsi Motingwa, 65, went before the High Court for appeal and stated that the charges against him were bogus "from the word go". He said so bogus were the charges that the magistrate in Mahalapye dismissed the case against him, only for it to later be reinstated.  When Motingwa was called to the dock he could barely walk, and a prison officer explained to the court that he was also hard of hearing.

Motingwa pleaded with the court to release him or at the very least reduce his sentence. He was sentenced to 10 years for rape and six years for indecent assault and the sentences were to run concurrently.He has already served three years. "I have been set up by these people. Your honour, please at least reduce the sentence so that I can take half. I am dying," he begged.  Motingwa said the only offence he committed was taking care of his stepchildren because their mother was irresponsible.