ALLEGEDLY GRABBED VICTIM FROM DONKEY CART WHILE BOYFRIEND FLED
Three men have been charged with the vicious gang rape of a 35-year-old woman, who was attacked at Lekhujwana lands near Sojwe village on 1st March.
The trio: Tumisang Reetsang, 30, Malefo Dow, 28, and 21-year-old Oduetse Kabe pleaded not guilty and were awarded bail when they appeared before Molepolole Magistartes’ Court last Thursday.
Speaking to The Voice, Sojwe Police Station Commander, Superintendent Kitsiso Lemogang, said the complainant had been travelling in a donkey cart with her 40-year-old boyfriend at the time of the attack.
“The couple were on their way from Boatlaname to Lekhujwana when three men came following in their own donkey cart and stopped it in front of the lovers.
“We suspect the men then jumped from their donkey cart and started assaulting the victim’s donkeys while her boyfriend got scared and ran away. They then carried the victim to their donkey cart and went with her. On the way, they got in the bush and gang raped her,” revealed the concerned top cop.
It is believed the eldest of the suspects, Reetsang, then dragged the victim to his place where he reportedly raped her throughout the night.
Police suspect he finally released her in the morning after forcing her to take a bath.
Upon being freed, the traumatised woman immediately reported her ordeal to Sojwe police.
During their brief court appearance, the three suspects requested bail on the basis there was no one to look after their small stock.
Earlier, the prosecution, who did not object to the accused being granted bail, told court they were still waiting for a report from the forensic laboratory.
Presiding over the matter, Magistrate Kefilwe Resheng released the trio on a conditional bail that they should each pay the sum of P3, 000 and provide two sureties each binding themselves with the same amount. They were also told to report to the police every two weeks and warned not to interfere with the witnesses.
The suspected rapists will next appear for mention on 28th April, coming from their homes, if they manage to pay their bail.