06 Mar 2022

 A 20-year-old man of Mapitse ward in Malatswai, facing two rape and threat to kill  charges has been denied bail.

The accused, Edward Thapelo who appeared before Serowe Magistrate Court on Thursday has been denied bail on grounds that the matter was still at initial stage.

Thapelo, is said to have on two separate occasions, raped two women of Mapitse ward and threatened to kill one of the victims for reporting him.

The accused is alleged to have raped the first victim on February 22 and raped the second on the 27^th of the same month.

After the second victim reported him, the accused allegedly threatened to kill her saying, ‘O nthipotile kwa mapodiseng mme ke tsile go go bolaya fa o sa tsholole kgang eo.’’ (I am going to kill you for reporting me unless you withdraw the case.)

The accused who self-represented himself, pleaded for bail but his plea was dismissed on the basis that the matter was still at an initial stage and investigations  are on going.

The state requested that the accused be remanded in custody while the matter was being investigated as this would ensure the safety of the victims.

The accused will appear for mention on March 31.

ENDS