MASERU — A 26-year-old man from Ha-Molungoa was this week slapped with an eight-year jail term by the Maseru Magistrate’s Court for raping a 29-year-old woman at gun point.
Monyane Rasekoai had pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Magistrate Senekal Qobolo sentenced him to eight years in prison without an option of a fine.
Magistrate Qobolo said Rasekoai was fortunate that the court did not know his HIV/Aids status otherwise the sentence could have seen heavier.
“I studied your reasons for asking the court to give you a lenient sentence. You have done a bad thing. The sentence of someone who committed this offence could be a death sentence in this country,” Qobolo said.
“My problem is that I don’t know you HIV status. You were not merciful when you raped her. You should have protected her and not persecute her. Her husband was there and you raped her during the day,” he said.
For that reason, Qobolo said, Rasekoai deserved a lengthy sentence.
“We cannot tolerate this situation. You have not shown remorse in raping her. You will respect women like you respect your mother. I will keep you in jail,” he said.
“The prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.”
Qobolo said the complainant was firm and logical when giving evidence.
“The court observed her demeanour and found that she was calm and seemed concerned about what had happened to her. Accused failed dismally to substantiate his defence,” he said.
He said the court did not believe the accused’s defence.
In mitigation Rasekoai said he was a first offender.
“I beg the court to give me an out of custody sentence because my mother is blind. I have children who depend on me.
“My wife is pregnant and my nephew who is arthritic has missed going for check-ups since I have been in prison.”
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