64 year old man rape accused seeks bail
26 Aug 2026
A 64-year-old man accused of raping a 13-year-old minor has pleaded with the Lobatse Magistrates Court to grant him bail.
Gofenyaone Ratsie appeared before Chief Magistrate Ms Rebecca Motsamai on Tuesday on one count of rape, contrary to Section 141 as read with Section 142 of the Penal Code, Cap 08:01 of the Laws of Botswana.
The State alleges that on July 25, 2026, at Pitikwe in Lobatse, the accused unlawfully had carnal knowledge of a 13-year-old girl without her consent.
According to the police report tendered in court, Ratsie, who is the victim’s neighbour, called the minor to his house to collect items he said belonged to her grandfather. It is alleged that upon entering the house, the accused locked the living room door, pulled the victim onto a couch, undressed her and had unprotected sexual intercourse with her without her consent.
Prosecutor Ms Sekao Khudu told the court that investigations have been completed and that the State was only awaiting results from the Forensic Laboratory.
She said the prosecution was not opposed to bail. However, in terms of the Bail Act, 2024 (Act No. 4 of 2024), victims of serious offences such as rape must be afforded an opportunity to be heard during bail proceedings. As such, the victim’s mother is required to address the court on the issue of bail.
The court postponed the matter to August 28 for the bail hearing. ENDS
Source : BOPA
Author : Calviniah Kgautlhe
Location : Lobatse
Event : Court
Date : 26 Aug 2026
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