A 58-year-old man, the mother of the 13-year-old victim, and her acquaintance have entered pleas of 'not guilty' to charges of sexual violation against the minor.
The trio, including Samuel Selolwane, appeared before Magistrate Goratile Moremi Ramakoloi at the Broadhurst Magistrate Court this morning.
Questioned about the rape of the minor, Selolwane responded that he comprehends the charges but staunchly entered his plea.
"I am not guilty," asserted Selolwane.
The victim's mother and her acquaintance were also present in court, facing a charge of corrupting the child. They are accused of playing a role in the rape of the 13-year-old. They too have pleaded not guilty to the charge they face.
Meanwhile, the state has applied to the Broadhurst Magistrate Court to obtain blood samples from Samuel Selolwane, 58, to confirm his DNA.
State lawyer Onalenna Madimabe informed the court that Selolwane is refusing to provide his blood samples for the investigation analysis. "The state is in a difficult position as the accused is refusing to comply with the necessary procedures for DNA testing," Madimabe told the court.
The magistrate scheduled the application for the extraction of blood samples from Selolwane to be heard on February 29, allowing time for both the prosecution and the defence to prepare their arguments. The case continues.
On the same matter, the trio has applied to the High Court on an urgent basis, seeking bail. Judgment in the matter has been reserved for February 27.
