By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – Thabang Motaung, 22, of Mabolela village, accused of raping an 84-year-old Gogo, was denied bail by the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s court on Tuesday 15 April, while the matter has been postponed to 14 May 2025.
Denying Motaung to be released on bail Phuthaditjhaba court said, “Interests of justice do not permit that the accused be released on bail.”
Motaung who is facing a schedule 6 offence appeared before the packed to capacity court by furious residents, MAP16 political party women Component and Ahanang men’s forum members represented by legal aid, was very calm wearing a designer winter jacket resembling the Basotho nation famous blanket Seanamarena.
His appearance was a continuation of a paused bail hearing application on Thursday 10 April2025, when the court heard his plea, that he is a student at Ipontsheng Finishing School and the sole caregiver for his ailing mother and an infant child, also promising court that if granted bail, he will not evade trial or interfere with witnesses or the police investigation.
However, under cross-examination by the state, it was revealed that Motaung had last attended school on 20 January, more than two months before his arrest.
The prosecution further argued that Motaung poses a flight risk. According to the state, he was arrested in Bluegumbosch while allegedly attempting to flee to Harrismith and was awaiting arranged transport.
This was today supported by the 31 years of service experience investigating officer in the South African police service, Warrant Officer Mathibela.
“A senior citizen was raped ,her belongings stolen and was found in possession of the accused who was fleeing Qwa Qwa during his arrest in the early hours of that day 2nd of April,” said Mathibela.
Among Exhibits thus far include a community petition opposing Motaung’s release.
The petition, submitted by the MAP16 Civic Movement Women’s Component, argued that releasing Motaung would disturb public peace and compromise safety.
Map 16 Civic Movement Women Component leading March against bail for alleged Gogo rapist.
Matshepo Mokubung secretary of MAP16 Women’s Component welcomed the decision by court to deny him bail and called for a harsh life sentence when found guilty.
In the same breath, Ahanang men’s forum chairperson Pule Lekhoaba said they are also still to submit a petition asking the court to impose a life term sentence after he is found guilty.
Lekhoaba, speaking on behalf of the forum, said there is no excuse for such behaviour and they distance themselves as men from such acts.
He appealed to men to act and stand together against gender based violence.
