22 Jul 2019

The trial of Leburu Chelenyane, 36, of Moshana in the Southern District, who is accused of raping an eight-year old girl in 2013, has been postponed to November 8 when the forensic expert is expected to be available.

Chelenyane is alleged to have had unlawful carnal knowledge of the young girl on April 1, 2013 at Morolong Ward in Moshana village.

The prosecution told the Kanye Magistrate Court yesterday that the forensic expert, one of the two remaining witnesses still to testify, was outside of the country for three months.

Pleading for a postponement, prosecutor Assistant Superintendent Goitsemang Sekgabo proposed to close the case with the second witness, the investigating officer, given the forensic expert’s long absence.

However, Kanye magistrate Mr Daniel Nkau pointed out that forensic evidence was crucial in such a matter and therefore could not be overlooked.

The accused person also said he wanted the forensic expert to present the evidence so that where possible he could seek clarification.

Consequently, the matter was postponed to November 8 when the forensic expert was expected to be available.

A case management conference  is scheduled for October 8 to confirm continuation of trial date.

The prosecution has already called three witnesses.ENDS