VIOLENT RAGE
Residents of Tumasera village have expressed outrage at rape accused Mokobi Setlhong (30), who now faces allegations of murder. The community has vowed to take matters into their own hands should he be released from police custody.
Residents recount a history of fear, stating that Mokobi has harassed young girls in the area for a long time. Parents are particularly anxious about allowing their daughters to go out in the evenings, fearing they might fall victim to him. Some residents alleged that he had previously attempted to choke girls and assault them sexually. Although there have been multiple alleged incidents of rape against him, he has consistently evaded serious retribution allegedly due to claims of mental instability.
This has led residents to question how someone deemed mentally-unfit can comprehend sexual acts and resort to such heinous crimes against children. They said that if Mokobi is released, they will take aggressive action against him, including threats of castration or even murder. Mokobi was apprehended by police last week following the discovery of a dead young girl, Sheila Mptswa in the Malete ward of Tumasera village.
Sheila had been sent on an errand to a nearby home the previous day but did not return. A passer-by discovered her body the following morning and notified her family and law enforcement. At that time, the identity of her assailant was unknown. According to Assistant Superintendent Uyapo Koketso of Baines Drift police, when officers arrived at the scene, Sheila was quickly transported to Sefhare Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear, as her body displayed no visible wounds or blood, making it unlikely that she had been stabbed. The police began a manhunt for the perpetrator and apprehended a suspect the following day. They are currently conducting tests to determine the cause of death and are awaiting post-mortem results, including whether she was sexually assaulted. Speculation is rife in the village that Mokobi may have strangled Sheila or that she suffocated when he covered her mouth to prevent her from calling for help.
Residents are disgusted that not only is he being accused of rape, he has now added murder to his portfolio. He appeared before Palapye magistrate court this past Tuesday and has been remanded in custody.
Police boss Koketso shared that emotions are still high within the village and keeping Mokobi away was for his safety. He noted that they have heard that Mokobi has on several occasions been caught trying to rape young girls, however, they have no formal reported cases.
“I am not sure why those cases never reached the police if they are anything to go by. If he has been such a nuisance as they allege, they tolerated the behaviour until this tragedy occurred,” he said. Sheila was laid to rest this past Monday, and the mourning community came together to grieve her loss, even contributing funds to assist with her burial expenses.