27 Aug 2026

A 64-year-old man, Gofenyaone Ratsie accused of raping a 13-year-old girl has pleaded to granted bail pending trial.

Appearing before Lobatse Magistrate Court, Chief Magistrate, Ms Rebecca Motsamai, the accused person on July 25, 2026 at Pitikwe location in Lobatse unlawfully had carnal knowledge of a 13-year-old minor without her consent. 

The court will hear Ratsie’s bail application on Friday where the victim’s mother is scheduled to give evidence regarding the bail application. 

However, the prosecutor, Ms Sekao Khudu informed the court that the prosecution was not opposing the accused person’s application for bail.

 Nonetheless, Ms Khudu said as per the Bail Act, victims of serious crimes like rape were given the opportunity to speak during bail hearings, as such the victim’s mother must be accorded an opportunity to present her views regarding the proposed request by the accused persons.

She said investigations were complete, save for the release of the forensics laboratory report of the examination that was done on the victim. 

According to a police report, on the said day Ratsie summoned the victim to his house requesting her to come and collect some items which he alleged belonged to the victim’s grandfather. 

It is alleged that upon entering the house, the accused then locked the living room door, pulled the victim and laid her on a couch, forcefully undressed her and had sexual intercourse with her without her consent and without protection. ENDS