A 33-year-old farm labourer in Borolong recently appeared before the Francistown Magistrate’s Court accused of defiling his 14-year-old niece.
According to court details, on the March 7th of this year, the accused who hails from Sekgokgwe settlement, near Matshelagabedi, sneaked into his niece’s room at midnight he allegedly sexually abused her while she was asleep.
He is reported to have then disappeared under the cover of darkness only for the farm labourer to be arrested a week later in Borolong.
Appearing before Francistown Chief Magistrate, Daniel Nkau on Monday, the accused pleaded to be granted bail fearing that he could lose his job if kept in prison.
“I don’t stay in the same locality with the victim or her mother. Allow me to wait for trial out of custody. I am employed and the owner of the farm was away when I was arrested. When he gets back, he should find me at the farm. I fear for the safety of his property while I am away”, pleaded the accused.
However, prosecutor Semaseko Pelotshwana argued that investigations on the matter had just begun pleading for the accused not be granted bail yet. They also denied claims by the accused that he does not stay in the same locality with victim.
“We have just engaged the service of the social worker who has informed us that the victim is yet to be taken to a safe haven or boarding house she has started to receive counselling,” Pelotshwana told court.
The prosecutor added that the mother is also exploring options of finding alternative accommodation so she can stay with her daughter during holidays.
Chief Magistrate Nkau advised the accused that he is facing a very serious charge therefore he should apply a sober mind.
In a similar case, another 44-year-old man was arraigned before Principal Magistrate Thapelo Buang of Francistown Magistrate’s Court also charged with the defilement of an eight-year-old girl. The incident is reported to have occurred last week Thursday.
The accused is said to have called the Standard two pupil into his house while she was playing with her mates where he allegedly sexually abused her.
During the ordeal the girl screamed for help, attracting the attention of her playmates outside. The group of children are said to have then run to the accused’s house, knocked before pushing the door open, only to be threatened with an axe.
Prosecutor Macheng appraised Principal Magistrate Thapelo that the victim is yet to be attended by social workers to undergo counselling.
“Investigations are ongoing. Our prayer is the suspect be remanded to enable investigations to be conducted without hinderance, intimidation and interference. Furthermore, the emotions of community are highly charged, so for the safety of the suspect it is best he is remanded”, pleaded Macheng. The accused returns to court on the 23rd of next month.
