Two and a half years after he allegedly fondled an underage girl’s breasts, a Molepolole man has been hauled before the Magistrates Court charged with indecent assault.
Shala Matine, 48, is accused of inappropriately touching a 15-year-old’s nipples and thighs at her home in Borakalalo ward back on January 26, 2023.
The suspect, who resides in the same neighborhood as the complainant, pleaded not guilty and was released on bail after his short arraignment last Thursday.
According to sources, on the day in question, the teenager, who was doing Form 2 at the time, was sent home from school due to ill health. Although she stays with her aunt, there was no one home when she arrived at around midday.
As the teen sat in the front yard waiting, Matine, whom she knew as a neighbor, turned up out of the blue. He is said to have started touching her head, before moving down to her nipples and thighs. Fortunately, a neighbor reportedly passed by at this moment and, spotting the man seemingly seducing the young girl, hurried to intervene.
After Matine was chased away, the police were called and the suspect promptly arrested.
It is not clear why the matter has taken so long to reach the courts, as no explanation was given (or indeed asked for) during last week’s arraignment. Progress, albeit slow, is finally being made, however, with the Prosecutor, Sergeant Pako Kgosimolao, informing the court that investigations are complete. The accused was further served with all the relevant documents, including the statements and case summary.
Before releasing Matine on bail, Magistrate Mmamerafe Phologo warned him to keep out of trouble. He is due back in court for mention on August 18.
