By Teboho Serutla
Police have reported a recent surge in rape and violent crime cases directly linked to alcohol abuse in some parts of the country.
Just this week, a 26-year old man of Popopo in Leribe fatally assaulted a 53-year old bar owner at a local watering hole on April 2. The suspect is alleged to have made unwelcome sexual advances at the deceased’s wife.
He is reported to have been unruly and violent as he demanded to have sex with the woman in full view of other patrons. When the bar owner tried to protect his wife, the suspect allegedly turned on him and fatally assaulted him.
In Thaba Tseka, 36-year old Mohlouoa Kholoane of Sekiring appeared before the magistrates court on charges of rape.
According to preliminary investigations, the suspect arrived at a homestead selling home-made beer, pretending to be a customer. He suddenly attacked and assaulted a 20-year old woman with a fighting stick, dragged her to a nearby soccer field where he raped her before accompanying her home.
Kholoane is out on M400 bail and is expected to appear before the court again on April 21 for further remand.
