for allegedly sexually assaulting priest Tuoane
Hopolang Mokhopi
PRIME Minister’s advisor, Joseph Jankie Setšabi, has finally been charged with allegedly sexually assaulting female priest Relebohile Tuoane.
Setšabi appeared briefly before Maseru Magistrate Puseletso Mcpherson yesterday, with Crown Counsel Bothobile Shebe representing the prosecution.
According to the charge sheet, Setšabi allegedly committed the offence on or about 16 July 2020 at or near State House, Maseru West, Khubetsoana and Lakeside in Maseru. He is accused of unlawfully and intentionally touching Ms Tuoane’s private parts and other parts of her body without her consent.
The charge was read to Setšabi in a language he understands, and he was informed of his right to apply for bail and to legal representation of his choice, including through legal aid.
He was represented by attorney Monaheng Rasekoai and Advocate Christopher Lephuthing, who successfully applied for his release on bail.
Advocate Lephuthing told the court that his client was anxious for the matter to be finalised within two weeks, saying he was ready to stand trial and had cooperated with investigators.
“He (Setšabi) is a family man and he has already expressed his anxiety that he is prepared to stand trial. He has cooperated with the investigations, and his overall conduct during the investigations confirms that he is not a flight risk,” Advocate Lephuthing said.
“He is willing to assist this honourable court in his defence. May he be released on his own recognisance.”
Adv Lephuthing added that, should the court require a monetary bail deposit, the defence proposed M1000.
Adv Shebe said the prosecution was not opposing bail but urged the court to consider the seriousness of the offence Setšabi was facing.
Magistrate Mcpherson granted Setšabi bail of M5000 and ordered him to provide a surety who is a citizen of Lesotho to guarantee his compliance with the bail conditions.
The court further ruled that the surety would be liable to pay M10 000 should Setšabi violate the bail conditions.
Setšabi was also ordered not to interfere with Crown witnesses or obstruct police investigations.