Mohale FM A dramatic rape trial unfolded in the Leribe Magistrate Court today, with the accused, 46-year-old Katleho Bitso, claiming he had a romantic relationship with the 65-year-old complainant.
Bitso, from Peka, is accused of sexually assaulting the woman, who was 60 at the time of the incident on February 3, 2020. He pleaded not guilty, with his lawyer, Advocate Bolane Qothelo, stating that the pair had a romantic affair that ended in 2012.
However, the complainant denied any romantic involvement, saying she knew Bitso only as a neighbour’s son. She testified that she was severely beaten with a stick and sexually assaulted by Bitso on the night in question. The court heard that both were from a local shebeen when the incident allegedly occurred.
The case has been postponed to February 9, 2026, for further testimony.
