A suspected serial rapist believed to have a predatory eye for young girls will remain behind bars after Molepolole Magistrates Court once again denied him bail.
Thapelo Seiso, 44, faces four rape charges, with the youngest of his alleged victims just five years old, a little girl he allegedly raped at the start of the year.
Appearing for mention for this matter on Monday, where he displayed the arrogant attitude he’s become known for, the white-haired Magokotswane ward resident insisted he was innocent, claiming to know nothing about the offences.
Court heard that the little girl’s mother is only 36-years-old, already has 11 children and is currently undergoing psychotherapy and rehabilitation.
Outlining her reasons for remanding Seiso in custody, Magistrate Mmamerafe Phologo explained, “It is in the interest of justice that the victim being a minor child and other minor children in the accused person neighbourhood that he be remanded in custody. The victims are minor children and neighbours to the accused, if granted bail he might conceal evidence.”
The Magistrate instructed social services to place the young complainant and her siblings in a safe house, noting they are in need of care.
Phologo also warned that the child’s mother will be charged with negligence if psychologists determine she has the criminal capacity to stand trial.
His hopes of freedom quashed, Seiso returns to court on 25 June.
He is accused of four rape offences in total, dating back to 2021, when he allegedly raped a 13-year-old girl.
Granted bail, he is said to have struck again on 13 January 2025, allegedly abducting a 14-year-old girl at knifepoint and forcing her to have anal sex four times.
It was on 4 January this year that Seiso reportedly raped the five-year-old child at her home in Magokotswane, before allegedly pouncing again the very next day, this time apparently attacking a 27-year-old woman.
