The suspended ANC councillor in Matlosana, Tebogo Sepale (43), accused of prying on young boys and girls, has decided to re-apply for bail.

Sepale previously decided to abandon bail after consultations with his attorney. His case was postponed to 1 November 2023 for a formal bail application after appearing before the Orkney Magistrate's Court on Wednesday (4/10).

Organisations such as Sonke Gender Justice slammed the ANC for continuing to pay the salary of the accused. Meanwhile, the ANC reiterated that its hands are tied from removing Sepale from its list of deployees, as it can only be done once he is granted bail.

The councillor was arrested by the police after social media posts made rounds that he was allegedly involved with minors. He was later apprehended and now faces 11 provisional charges, two for statutory rape, three for the violation of a child’s consent, one for manufacturing pornographic material, four for rape and one for sexual intimidation.

Mamothame said the state was ready to propose a date for the matter to be transferred to a higher court for pretrial conferencing, as investigations have been completed. He said the transfer will now await the completion of the bail application, which the state intends to oppose. The accused will remain in police custody pending the outcome of his bail application.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi