Tebogo Msimanga |
The Molopo Magistrates’ Court postponed the case against two police officers, Otshepeng Nkate (26) and Lebogang Tladi (36) to 22 June 2022 for further investigations and DNA test results. The duo is charged with raping a 20-year-old woman and they are currently out on R3000 bail each.
Their bail conditions are that they should not interfere with the state witnesses and they are prohibited from making any direct or indirect contact with the victim. Preliminary investigations by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), reveal that a 20-year-old complainant, alleges she was at her boyfriend’s place at Lorwaneng Village on 30 March 2022, when an argument ensued between them, and the police were called in.
North West National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Spokeperson Henry Mamothame said after police interviewed them, she was detained for malicious property damage, as she had broken the windows at her partner’s place. She was allegedly handcuffed and on their way to the police station, police took a detour and told her that they were taking her home.
“The report further reveals that the victim indicated they stopped near the Maseru entertainment place in Mahikeng, and the officer who was on the passenger side came to her, pushed her back and forcefully opened her mouth and made her swallow some sweet drink, which made her dizzy.”
The victim alleges that the officer undressed and raped her. “After this, the driver also came and raped her and all this happened while she was handcuffed. They allegedly took her home after the ordeal. She was subsequently taken to the hospital for medical attention by her family.”
