The Maun man who made headline news last month for allegedly setting his ex-lover on fire two weeks after he reportedly raped her is yet to undergo psychological evaluation.
41-year-old Alfred Khohliwe remains behind bars on remand while the woman he is accused of attacking in brutal circumstances on 6 March has been stuck in a coma ever since.
Although there was no explanation given in court as to why it has taken so long for Khohliwe to see a psychiatrist, it was revealed an appointment has finally been set for 25 May.
Updating the court on the status of the matter this week, prosecution confirmed there was no improvement in the victim’s condition, who has since been transferred from Bokamoso Private Hospital to Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital in Francistown.
“The complainant is still in the Intensive Care Unit. We are awaiting a forensic report and one statement from a witness who is at the Delta and will be coming at the end of May,” stated the prosecutor.
It is said that before the attack, Khohliwe forced himself on the same lady on Valentine’s Day.
It is believed he was encouraged to seek help for his mental state by his victim after he raped her and duly handed himself in to Letsholathebe Hospital, where he remained for two weeks.
The very day he was discharged from hospital, is the day Khohliwe allegedly torched his victim.
Magistrate Keneilwe Kgoadi had previously denied the suspect bail considering the serious nature of the charges against him.
“The offence of rape could attract a minimum sentence of 15 years while for attempt to kill he can possibly be sentenced to life imprisonment,” noted Kgoadi.
Khohliwe had applied for bail fearing that his further remand could cost him his job at National Development Bank. Khohliwe had previously informed the court that he is taking care of his mother and school-going child.
He is due back before Maun Magistrate Court on 13 June for status update.
