Sello Morake

MASERU — The Maseru Magistrate’s Court on Friday convicted a 23-year-old man from Ha-Taabe in Qeme, Maseru, of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Kutlo Kepa pleaded guilty to battering his former girlfriend, 20-year-old Motitsoe Mohasoa, on July 24 last year after being told their relationship was over.

Crown counsel Tsietsi Hlaele told the court how Kepa severely assaulted his victim, who had to be treated at Queen Elizabeth II Hospital.

“The complainant, who was then a student at Masianokeng High School (in Maseru), knew the accused as they had once been lovers,” Hlaele said.

“On July 24 2009 while the complainant was on her way to (Maseru) town from Ha-Matala, a van pulled over and Kutlo dragged the plaintiff into the vehicle.”

Hlaele said the van drove to Ha-Thaabe where the plaintiff was hit several times with a beer bottle in the accused’s grandmother’s home.

Hlaele said the complainant had asked the driver to stop the vehicle when they were passing near Masianokeng, where some police officers had been standing by the roadside, but he had refused to comply.

“Kutlo had asked why she was dumping him, but the complainant had said she no longer loved him,” Hlaele said.

“Kutlo, who was drinking beer, then slapped the complainant in the face after questioning why the men in the van had been making suggestive, blinking gestures to her.

“The complainant later phoned her mother, who came to collect her from the Thaabe chief’s homestead where (the plaintiff) had sought refuge.

“She was then taken to Queen Elizabeth II Hospital by her mother where she received stitches to her wounds.”

The case is before magistrate Senekal Qobolo and judgment and sentence are expected tomorrow.