By Boitumelo Motsemoholo & Karabo Nkoe
A Ha-Tsosane man has been fined M3,000 or sentenced to three years’ imprisonment after appearing before the Matala Local Court on an assault charge.
Khotsofalang Phahlang appeared before the court to answer to a charge of assault under Section 30 of Proclamation No. 62 of 1938, arising from an incident that allegedly occurred on July 10, 2026, at Ha-Tsosane.
The complainant, 40-year-old Mafatle Khanyane also of Ha-Tsosane, told the court last week that he was at a bar when Phahlang arrived and accused him of calling him names.
Khanyane said Phahlang told him that he had heard the allegations from another person.
According to Khanyane, an argument then broke out between the two men. He said he attempted to calm the situation by asking Phahlang to stop accusing him.
However, Khanyane told the court that Phahlang suddenly took out a knife and struck him on the head.
He said he tried to defend himself, resulting in a physical struggle between the two men. During the altercation, Khanyane sustained injuries to his head, chest and cheek.
Khanyane testified that he immediately called his uncle, who rushed him to hospital for treatment.
He told the court that his wounds were serious and required stitches.
Khanyane said he later reported the matter to the police and was issued with a medical examination form. He was initially treated at Mabote Clinic before being transferred to Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital.
He subsequently obtained a medical report dated July 13, 2026, which he presented in support of his case.
Police Constable Ranthimo-Mochokhisi, the investigating officer, also testified before the court.
The officer told the court that Phahlang did not deny the assault when he was arrested.
He said Khanyane was taken for a medical examination and that the resulting medical report confirmed injuries consistent with an assault.
Phahlang did not dispute the allegations presented against him. Instead, he pleaded with the court for leniency, saying he was raising his children on his own.
However, court president Manthuntsi Ntšala ordered Phahlang to pay a fine of M3,000 or serve three years in prison.
