The Matala Local Court this week heard a disturbing case of physical assault in which a Ha Tsosane man, Rorisang Khoaelane, accused another local resident, Lebohang Moshe (36), of attacking and injuring him during a heated confrontation.
Khoaelane told the court that Moshe showed up at his workplace claiming to return his clothes that he allegedly left at his (Moshe) girlfriend’s place.
Khoaelane said he refused to accept the clothes, insisting he knew nothing about them or having an affair with Moshe’s girlfriend. What began as an argument quickly turned violent.
According to Khoaelane, Moshe became aggressive, punching him repeatedly in the face despite attempts by bystanders to intervene.
He testified that Moshe threatened to return after work to “finish what he started,” leaving Khoaelane frightened for his safety.
Khoaelane said the assault left him with a severe nosebleed, headache, and dizziness, causing him to lose balance and fall down a staircase. Witnesses advised him to seek medical attention, and he was later treated at Mabote Filter Clinic, where a doctor confirmed that his nose bone had been fractured.
He reported the incident to the police, who advised him to open a formal case.
“I could not believe how violent he became over something I knew nothing about,” Khoaelane told the court, adding that the injuries have caused him ongoing pain and distress.
In his defence, Moshe did not deny assaulting Khoaelane but pleaded for leniency, telling the court that he deeply regretted his actions. He said he was under stress at the time and asked for forgiveness, citing his family responsibilities. Moshe said he supports his siblings’ education, pays rent for family members, and struggles to make ends meet.
“I acted out of anger, and I’m asking the court to consider my situation,” Moshe pleaded.
Court President Malepe Ntlobo postponed the case to October 27 for further proceedings, noting that both parties would be given a fair opportunity to present additional evidence before judgment is delivered.
