Teen testifies she was threatened after filing rape complaint
Kabelo Masoabi
A 46-year-old man from Lisemeng, Hlotse, Lehlohonolo Mohlapisi, has appeared before the Leribe Magistrate’s Court on charges of sexually assaulting a teenager.
The complainant, who previously opened a sexual assault case against the Mohlapisi in December 2023, told the court on Tuesday that she was 16 years old at the time of the alleged incidents, while Mohlapisi was then 44.
According to court proceedings, Mohlapisi allegedly intimidated the teenager after she reported the matter to the police. Testifying in chief, the complainant said that while walking home from school, the Mohlapisi threatened her, warning that if she did not withdraw the case, she would “disappear”.
Despite the alleged threat, she told the court she resolved to proceed with the matter, telling herself “se njang se nje”, loosely translated as “come what may”.
The complainant further testified that her caretaker, identified as Palesa, allegedly encouraged her to enter into a romantic relationship with the older man in exchange for financial support before he later sexually assaulted her.
She told the court that on a night in September 2023, Palesa suggested she pursue a relationship with Mohlapisi because he would provide food and electricity. She said Palesa informed her that the household had run out of electricity units and used her mobile phone to send a “please call me” message to Mohlapisi, who responded by calling. A meeting was subsequently arranged.
“I met the accused at a taxi stop. I got into his car and we drove away,” the complainant testified.
She said Mohlapisi offered her a cigarette, which she refused, before buying her Maloti beer, which she consumed. She testified that she later began to feel dizzy.
The complainant told the court that Mohlapisi drove her to a golf ground in Sebothoane, where he lowered her underwear and, despite her resistance, overpowered and raped her inside the vehicle.
“After he was done, he bought more alcohol, saying it would help me relieve stress, and then drove me home,” she testified.
She said she reported the incident to Palesa days later, but her concerns were dismissed and no action was taken. She alleged that Mohlapisi raped her again later that same month.
The matter eventually came to her mother’s attention during an independence holiday visit in October. Her mother, who lives in Bloemfontein, periodically visits home.
They later reported the matter to the police.
The prosecution argued that Mohlapisi exploited the vulnerability of the complainant, who was under the guardianship of a caretaker and lacked direct parental supervision.
However, Mohlapisi, through his legal representative Advocate Lebohang Malokotsa, claimed there had been a romantic relationship between Mohlapisi and the complainant, but denied that any sexual acts occurred. He claimed the relationship ended in August 2023 after the complainant allegedly told him that her uncles had become aware of the affair and could harm him.
The Mohlapisi testified that the relationship began between June and July 2023 and ended in August, alleging that the complainant initiated the relationship at a local drinking spot. This, he said, contradicted the complainant’s testimony that the relationship was arranged by Palesa in September.
Advocate Malokotsa further submitted that the Mohlapisi operates a hostel in the Sebothoane area and that women often pursue relationships with him, believing him to be financially stable. He argued that this was the case with the complainant.
He maintained that the relationship ended before any sexual act occurred and that no medical evidence was presented to support the rape allegations.
During cross-examination, the defence put it to the complainant that she failed to cry for help during the alleged assaults, did not report the incidents immediately, and remained silent when questioned by her mother, only reporting the matter to police three months later.
“I suggest that you are lying; that you had a romantic relationship with the Mohlapisi motivated by his financial means, and that no sexual act took place,” Adv Malokotsa stated.
The complainant firmly denied the allegation, telling the court: “I never had a romantic relationship with him (Mohlapisi). He raped me twice”.
Magistrate Kabi adjourned the matter to Thursday for further testimony from the complainant’s mother and police witnesses.
Meanwhile, Lesotho Mounted Police Service deputy spokesperson, Inspector ’Mareabetsoe Mofoka, said during a press briefing earlier this week that reported rape cases are on the rise, with young girls and elderly women as primary victims.
