An 81-year-old man charged with three counts of rape of a 12-year-old stepdaughter has been released on bail.
Monnawaletsatsi Rams Sarefo was incarcerated last year after he admitted to molestation of the child. He told the court that on the day that he was caught abusing the child, the little girl had readily given herself to him and he could not refuse the sexual offer.
Appearing in court for status update on Monday, the prosecution informed the court that they are awaiting psychiatric evaluation report. The defence attorney had previously applied that the old man be evaluated on suspicion that he could be suffering from dementia.
According to the defence attorney, Charles Tlagae, the prosecution is dragging the matter as it always has to postpone on account that the report is not ready.
“They should provide us with correspondence that will show that their allegations are true. As they are delaying, the accused person continues to be incarcerated, which is not fair on him, especially now that we intend to retract the plea of guilty,” said Tlagae, adding that they wish to apply for bail while the prosecution gets their house in order.
When granting Sarefo bail, Chief Magistrate Thebeetsile Mulalo said, “Considering the fact that the accused does not even stay in the same yard as the complainant, I do not think the state will suffer any prejudice if he is released on bail.”
The matter has been set for June 22nd, 2023 for status update.