By: Lebohang Maluke
MASERU
-In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Mafeteng, 20 year defendant appeared in Mafeteng Magistrate court facing allegations of sexual misconduct involving the impregnation of a minor. The victim, a 16-year-old girl, reportedly became pregnant after an encounter with the accused.
The incident sparks outrage and calls for justice, with many decrying the prevalence of sexual abuse against minors in Lesotho.
As the case continues to reverberate across the country, it has brought into sharp focus the often-overlooked issue of child sexual abuse in Lesotho. Many have taken to social media to express their outrage and grief over the alleged crime, highlighting the devastating impact that such acts have on the victims, their families, and the community at large.
This harrowing case in Mafeteng, regarding accuse of sexually abusing and impregnating a minor, was brought before the court of law overseen by Magistrate Makhaketso. The Prosecution, led by Prosecutor Senatla, laid out the charges against defendant, setting in motion a legal process that many hope will bring justice to the young victim and her family.
The gravity of the alleged crime, compounded by the tender age of the victim, sparks intense emotions among the public, many of whom have called for swift and severe punishment.
According to Woman Police Constable (W/P/C) ‘Mathapeli Monare of the Child and Gender Protection Unit (CGPU), the minor’s parent reported her daughter’s pregnancy on August 24th, raising alarm about the potential sexual misconduct that led to the situation.
W/P/C Monare, reiterates the importance of parents’ vigilance and involvement in their children’s lives, emphasizing that early detection can often make all the difference in cases of sexual abuse.
The victim’s mother confirmed with her doctor that the child was indeed pregnant,” says Monare, underscoring the validity of the accusations against him.
The gravity of the situation is further compounded by the medical diagnosis, highlighting the potential long-term physical and emotional trauma faced by the young victim. As the case progresses through the legal system, the victim and her family continue to grapple with the devastating consequences of the alleged crime.
According to Monare, the victim’s teachers had noticed her absence from school, which prompted them to raise concerns with the victim’s mother. This crucial piece of information, combined with the pregnancy diagnosis, helped to provide a clearer picture of the alleged sexual abuse.
The revelation not only underscores the important role that teachers can play in detecting signs of abuse, but also highlights the potential for a collaborative effort between parents, educators, and law enforcement to protect vulnerable children.
In a heartbreaking exchange, the victim’s mother confronted her daughter about her absences from school, leading to the devastating revelation of her pregnancy. As the truth came to light, the victim reportedly admitted to her mother that she was carrying a child, prompting further investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
The accused man of sexually abusing and impregnating a minor, was remanded to the Lesotho Correctional Service to await his next court appearance on September 10th in Magistrate Court.
This interim step, though necessary under Lesotho’s legal system, was met with mixed reactions from the public. Some expressed relief that the man is being held accountable for his alleged crimes, while others called for more immediate and severe punishment.
The legal process, however, must run its course to ensure fairness and adherence to due process, despite the emotional nature of the case.
The police issues a sobering reminder to parents, emphasizing the need to closely monitor their children’s relationships and activities.
Young girls are particularly vulnerable to older perpetrators who use their age and experience to exploit and abuse them. It is essential for parents to be aware of who their children are spending time with and to be on the lookout for any red flags. The age of consent in Lesotho is 18 years, and relationships involving minors and older partners can result in serious legal consequences.
The Penal Code prohibits abortion, rape, sexual contact with minors, indecent assault, incest, and bigamy outside of customary law. Abortion is an offence pursuant to the Penal Code Act 2010.
Sexual Act of 2003 states that “Causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity (10 Sexual Offences Act 2003) and other similar offences, even where activity is incited but does not take place or no child victim exists. The maximum sentence is 14 years.”
The safety and well-being of children must be the parents’ highest priority. They must take an active role in monitoring their children’s activities and relationships, and to provide a supportive and safe environment for them to grow and thrive. It is only by working together as a community that they can protect their children from harm and ensure that justice is served when they are wronged.”