Central SA
Rape charges against Kroonstad councillor withdrawn─── ZENANDE MPAME 15:58 Thu, 01 Feb 2024
“The complainant issued a withdrawal statement to the state.”
The case against the Kroonstad-based councillor was withdrawn at the Viljoenskroon District Court on Wednesday (31/1) after the complainant issued a withdrawal statement to the state.
The Moqhaka mayoral committee member was released by the court he was charged with rape and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
“Highly skilled and experienced investigators were leading the investigations when the complainant said she didn’t want to continue with the matter. The accused was then released by the court,” said Free State NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane.
‘The Kroonstad-based councillor was remanded in custody’
The accused appeared in the Viljoenskroon Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 20 December where he was denied bail. He was remanded in custody until his court appearance on Monday (29/1).
The woman allegedly sought a ride in the early hours of Monday, 4 December because she knew him. The accused allegedly drove with her to a farm in the district and sexually assaulted her. He was arrested the same day.
Meanwhile, in North West, a suspended Matlosana councillor will appear in the Klerksdorp Regional Court on Wednesday, 14 February to face eleven charges: two for statutory rape, three for the violation of a child, one for manufacturing pornographic material, four for rape and one of sexual intimidation.
‘Sepale faces eleven charges and was denied bail’
Tebogo Sepale (43) was denied bail at his previous court appearance and will remain in police custody until the completion of the case.
“His court appearance emanates from a report by the police indicating that the Klerksdorp Sexual Offences Unit was investigating a case of crimen injuria, and two separate counts of statutory rape after they were reported at Kanana police station,” said North West NPA spokesperson Henry Mamothame.
“In one of the cases, Sepale allegedly shared nude pictures with the complainant; in the second case involving the same suspect, two counts of statutory rape were opened in May last year by the parents of the two boys, aged 15 and 17.”
