Hopolang Mokhupi
TWO men accused of sexual offences involving minors have been remanded in custody after their bail applications were denied by the Maseru Magistrate’s Court this week.
In the first case, 55-year-old Tšotleho Khobotle, of Ha Jimisi, was denied bail by Magistrate Mamorojele Qoo following allegations that he sexually assaulted his 11-year-old biological daughter. The incident was reported on October 18, 2025.
Khobotle, who appeared unrepresented, pleaded with the court to grant him bail, citing personal and financial hardships. He told the court that he is unemployed and survives by doing casual gardening work, adding that he is the sole caretaker of the victim.
“I am the one who takes care of the victim, and I am the only one living at my home,” Khobotle said.
“I also have pigs and chickens that I must look after.”
He further stated that the victim occasionally visits her sister who lives nearby, and that his arrest on Tuesday had prevented him from reporting to his temporary job.
However, Prosecutor Advocate Thabo Motlomelo opposed the bail application, arguing that since Khobotle and the victim live under the same roof, granting bail would endanger the child and create a risk of witness interference.
According to the charge sheet, Khobotle “unlawfully and intentionally committed a sexual act by inserting his penis into the victim’s vagina”.
Magistrate Qoo subsequently remanded him in custody and advised him of his right to apply for bail through a formal application and to seek legal representation. He is scheduled to appear again in court on November 4, 2025.
In a separate matter, 21-year-old Chabeli Chabeli also appeared before the same magistrate on allegations of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl.
The charge was read and explained to him in a language he understood, along with his rights to legal counsel and bail.
Chabeli, who described himself as a herd boy, applied for bail on the grounds that his detention prevented him from carrying out his duties.
“I am not married, and my parents are still at home,” he said, adding that his elder siblings are responsible for their care.
Advocate Motlomelo did not oppose his bail application. However, the magistrate sought the views of the complainant’s sister, who stated that she was not the guardian and therefore could not indicate whether the family objected to bail.
The court consequently ordered the Crown to verify the complainant’s family position regarding bail before making a ruling.
Chabeli was remanded in custody and is also set to return to court on 4 November 2025.