15 Jul 2020

Kanye Magistrate, Mr Daniel Nkau has ordered that a 39-year-old rape accused, Mokwelenyane Sepitse be taken to Sbrana Psychiatric Hospital for psychiatric evaluation to determine if he was mentally fit for trial.

The unemployed man of Kgwakgwe ward in Kanye is facing a single count of defilement of an imbecile.

It is reported that the accused person had slept with a woman whom he knew to be an imbecile near Kgwakgwe cemetery on July 8, 2020.

The accused told the court that he had a mental problem and had a tendency to forget easily.

Even though the prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent Andrew Mbazo has requested that the accused be remanded in custody to allow him time to find an alternative residence for the complainant since the two were neighbours, the court ruled that the accused person could not be sent to jail since he was a danger to himself.

The accused was therefore granted bail on condition that he provides two sureties, does not interfere with state witnesses, attends all court sessions as requested and moves to stay with his grandmother at Lowe cattlepost.

The matter is scheduled for a case management conference on September 15.

Still before the same court, a 29-year-old man of Phitshane Molopo was given bail after being charged with a single count of rape, which reportedly took place near Mmakgori on December 21, 2019.

Thabang Mothibi pleaded not guilty to the offence and told the court that he would defend himself.

The prosecution did not object to the bail conditions, which stated that the accused should bind himself with P1 000, not interfere with state witnesses and attend court sessions as and when required.

The magistrate ordered the prosecution to serve the accused person with defence statements while trial dates would be set on July 28. ENDS