MASERU – The former Minister of Law and Constitutional Affairs Mootsi Lehata who faces rape charges of an under aged girl has been given a lifeline after the victim pledged to drop the case if he supports their child.
news
Aug. 3, 2019
STAFF REPORTER
1 min read
Ex-minister’s rape victim wants house
The former Minister of Law and Constitutional Affairs Mootsi Lehata
When Lehata, 48, allegedly raped the girl then aged 17 on January 18, 2018, he made her pregnant. Now the victim who insists that the former minister raped her will let him off the hook if he agrees to pay a M1 000 monthly maintenance allowance for his child and build a home for them. he matter is presided over by Chief Magistrate Southern Region Manyathela Kolobe while Qcinimuzi Tshabalala prosecutes. In his submission, Mr Tshabalala showed that the Crown had no objection to the complainant’s request, adding that a social worker had already been engaged to supervise her through the process.
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Lehata’s lawyer, Attorney Qhalehang Letsika confirmed the issue of both the maintenance of the child and the construction of a house for the victim and her child. That Attorney Letsika said would help bring about the principle of restorative justice. The alleged rape according to the charge sheet occurred in Ha Moima, Sehlabeng sa Matsieng. The former minister was released after paying a M500 bail deposit. The court also ordered him not to interfere with police investigations and Crown witnesses especially the complainant. He was further instructed to attend bail hearings on set dates and to stand trial until finality.
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