By Kefiloe Kajane
Eighty-nine-year old Sello Thamae of Ha Sekake in Qacha’s Nek appeared before the Qacha’s Nek magistrates court on Thursday last week on charges of rape.
According to police spokesperson Senior Superintendent Mpiti Mopeli, the suspect allegedly raped a 13-year old mentally ill girl.
On January 22, the grandmother’s victim had gone to the field when the suspect went to the victim’s home and allegedly raped her. The crime was witnessed by the victim’s siblings.
Mopeli said the accused was denied bail and remains in police custody until he appears before the court again on Tuesday this week.
Meanwhile, a 17-year old girl from the same village has been arrested and is facing charges on concealment of birth.
The suspect was discovered found by a neighbor lying next to a pool of blood.
“The neighbour enquired what the problem was and noticed that she was in the process of committing abortion. The woman reported the matter to the local chief who in turn reported it to the police.
“She is expected to appear before the magistrate’s court after completion of the relevant processes as she is still under age,” Mopeli said.
