04 Mar 2019

An alleged serial rapist in Molepolole, Karabo Sebetso, who recently escaped from police escort at Molepolole Magistrate court, was on February 26 arraigned before Senior magistrate Nthabiseng Merafhe-Tladi.

The 23-year-old Sebetso who faced three counts of rape appeared briefly for offences he committed between May 2016 and December 2017 at Lekgwapheng Ward in Molepolole.

The accused allegedly had carnal knowledge of a 14-year-old girl and two women aged 16 and 19 all of Lekgwapheng.

It was then that he escaped from police escort in November but was re-arrested on February 24.

“The accused is a serious threat to residents of Lekgwapeng where the three victims reside. Therefore releasing him will breed anger among the community where the accused is also a resident,” Assistant Superintendent Uyapo Koketso advised the court

He insisted on the fact that the accused had proven to be a flight risk looking at his previous conduct.

He said Sebetso had been on the run for the last three months after he escaped while under police escort.

Sebetso pleaded with the court to have him released on bail dismissing allegations that he had carnal knowledge of the 14-year-old victim who he said was his girlfriend whom they stayed together at the victim’s place days before his current arrest.

Magistrate Merafhe-Tladi dismissed the accused’s plea for bail, stating that sexual encounter had to be agreed arguing that sexual intercourse was not always guaranteed on intimate relationships.

Meanwhile, the 21-year-old Rebaone Kgari of Thamaga was also arraigned for the alleged murder of the 36-year-old Moshe Ramakadi of Morepo ward on the night of February 23 at Mpha Batho Bar in Thamaga

Prosecutor sergeant Modise Masala pleaded with the court to extend the accused remand warrant as police investigations were at an initial stage, adding his detention will also protect the accused against irate relatives.  

However, Thamaga station commander Superintendent Moses Kwarare confirmed the incident where Ramakadi was murdered following a fight over a cigarette.

The deceased was allegedly punched on the face and fell on the ground.

He was immediately rushed to Thamaga Primary Hospital before being referred to Princess Marina Hospital where he died the following morning. ENDS