12 Jul 2022

A 43-year old man of Lokgwabe in Kgalagadi District, who is accused of rape, has been remanded in custody.

The man allegedly had unlawful carnal knowledge of his four year-old daughter on July 8 at Gamhutla ward in Hukuntsi.

Investigation officer, Sub-Inspector Gaebusetse Mahupu, told Hukuntsi Magistrate Court on Monday that she received a call from the complainant who is mother to the victim,  saying she suspected that the accused had unlawful carnal knowledge of the victim.  

The mother reported that the victim complained about anal pains when she was about to bath her. 

Sub-Insp Mahupu explained that the complainant said she did not question the victim of what could be the cause of her anal pains and they retired to bed.

However, in the middle of the night, the victim reportedly awakened the mother because of excruciating abdominal pains.

Sub-Insp Mahupu further mentioned that in the morning, the mother pressed the victim with more questions.

She said before their departure to a health facility, the victim explained that the accused person had made her ‘kneel down and penetrated her from the anus’.

That was when the complainant called the police for assistance.

The victim was taken to Hukuntsi Primary Hospital for medical attention. 

Sub-Insp Mahupu said the accused person was arrested on July 9.

She also indicated that both the victim and accused went through medical examinations and the police were awaiting results. 

Moreover, she said the victim would be taken to Princess Marina Hospital for further medical examinations.

Sub-Insp Mahupu therefore submitted that the accused person be remanded in custody pending investigations, indicating that the matter was still at an infancy stage.

For his part, the accused person, who had earlier said he would represent himself, asked the investigation officer as to what necessitated his remand.

In her response, Sub-Insp Mahupu said ‘the matter is still at an infancy stage and we cannot predict what would happen upon your release to the community.As law enforcement officers, it is our duty to protect lives and property,’ she said.

For his part, public prosecutor, Sergeant Steven Pule submitted that the accused person should be remanded in custody as he might interfere with investigations. 

He said the accused person resided in the same locality with the complainant and the victim, therefore, there was need to be cautious .

Magistrate Galaletsang Ramokate ruled that the accused should be remanded in custody to allow investigations to be concluded without any interference.

The accused person would appear again for mention on July 25. BOPA

Names of accused and complainant withheld to protect identity of the victim