Brian Chiwanza
A Lithabaneng man was sentenced to 15 years in prison yesterday by the Maseru Magistrate’s Court for raping a four-year-old on Monday this week.
Karohano Lerata pleaded guilty to abusing the child in his shack and begged the court for forgiveness.
The 27-year-old rapist told the court he was sorry for the abuse, but Magistrate ‘Manapo Motebele still sentenced him to 15 years in jail without an option of a fine.
According to evidence moved in court, Lerata called the minor into his shack and ordered her to lie on the floor before sexually abusing her.
Lerata bolted out of the shack after the abuse, leaving the child crying inside the cabin. However, an alert neighbour gave chase and caught up with Lerata.
After the child had narrated her ordeal, Lerata was taken to the police, leading to his appearance in court yesterday.
