Appearing for an arraignment today, Malema was charged with a single count of rape for allegedly raping an 18-year-old UB student at the institution's premises.
The matter dates back to January 9, 2024 when Malema allegedly sexually assaulted the student without her consent.
Following the reading of the charge sheet to him, the accused person pleaded not guilty to the offence.
Regarding bail application, State prosecutor Mmapatsi Tshimologo stated that prosecutions would not oppose bail. “We are not opposed to the accused being granted bail because we are satisfied with the information from the Investigating officer (IO) that there is no danger of him fleeing from the country,” Tshimologo said.
The Court had said if granted bail by the Magistrate, Tshimologo stated that the accused should report himself at the nearest police station at least once a month, appear and honour all court engagements.
Additionally, he added that Malema should not interfere with the witnesses in the matter and lastly bind himself with money that will be set by the presiding magistrate.
In the end Magistrate Kamogelo Mmesii granted Malema bail.
“By consent of the State, the accused will be granted bail at a recognisance of P1 000, provide one Motswana surety who will bind themselves with P1 000, report himself once a month to any police station, does not interfere with the witnesses and appear on court when required to do so,” she ordered.
Tshimologo suggested that the accused be bound to a police station but the Magistrate held a different perspective noting that if the accused wants to travel he can report himself at any station.
Meanwhile, the case continues on April 28 for a case management conference (CMC).
Since the breaking of the news last year both the UB and the BCP released statements noting that they would cooperate with the investigations, aid where they could and proceeded to suspend the accused while investigations carried on.
