Well-known actor, Khetsi Rapita, will appear before the Leribe Magistrate’s Court on June 17 facing charges of child abuse.
Rapita, 31, initially appeared before the same court on May 30, and he was remanded in custody after failing to pay M1,500 bail.
He had been apprehended three days earlier after the Child Protection and Gender Equality Office at the Pitseng police station received a report that he had allegedly abused a six-year-old girl.
Police Constable ‘Manneke Motloli confirmed Rapita’s arrest.
She said the incident reportedly came to light when one of the minor’s teachers observed Rapita “kissing and undressing the child from a distance”.
The teacher is said to have immediately raised alarm and contacted law enforcement authorities.
Police units were then dispatched swiftly to the scene at Ha Maqele Maputsoe, Leribe, where they located and arrested Rapita.
He was subsequently brought before Magistrate Koaesa and remanded to the Leribe Correctional Facility after failing to pay the M1,500 bail.
In a press statement, Senior Inspector (S/Insp) Lebohang Sekonyela who commands the Pitseng Police expressed concerns over the increasing prevalence of abuse cases in the region.
S/Insp Sekonyela stated that abuse has “gained strength” and pleaded with the public to maintain their vigilance and continue reporting violations.
He commended the community for their ongoing cooperation in providing tips, describing it as a positive and consistent effort.
S/Insp Sekonyela further emphasized the collective responsibility of the community in safeguarding children, stating: “Children are under our care, and it is everyone’s responsibility to raise them with respect and to give them love and trust in us as a community.”
Rapita’s management, Tycoon Series Management, said they were aware of allegations against him.
Describing him as “one of our most beloved and excellent actors”, the company noted that Rapita has been experiencing a long-term mental illness and was undergoing treatment at Mohlomi Hospital before his recent arrest.
“Mr. Khetsi is a very respectable person. His actions are simply driven by his illness,” Tycoon Series Management said.
While expressing profound sympathy for the family of the young girl involved, the management also extended a prayer that the family might “see these matters with a different perspective.”
