Former murder convict hangs himself after raping teen girl
A 55-year-old man of Lepokole village in the central district committed suicide inside Bobonong Police Station cells in the wee hours of Tuesday this week.
According to sources, the man is a murder ex-convict.
He had served his sentence wholly but was arrested again on the 17th November 2023 for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl. The girl is a standard seven pupil who is currently awaiting her Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) results.
It is alleged that the deceased had on the afternoon of the 16th, met the teenager while she was walking to the neighbours to watch television. The deceased allegedly pleaded with the young girl to walk with him to a nearby place and she agreed.
After walking for some distance and realising that they were in a secluded area, the 55-year-old took out a knife and threatened to kill the teenager if she did not do as he demanded.
He proceeded to blindfold the teenager, undressed her and then penetrated her.
“While busy pleasuring himself, people riding on a donkey cart arrived at the scene and the man ran away. The police arrested him the next day,” the source said.
He said they have heard that the deceased was supposed to be arraigned before court for defilement on the same day he hanged himself. He allegedly tore a blanket to make a rope which he used to hang himself while his cell mates where fast asleep.
Reached for comment on the matter, police spokesperson Near Bagali said the issue was a fresh matter and much cannot be divulged.
He confirmed that they are investigating a matter in which a detained man allegedly committed suicide in Bobonong.
Bagali confirmed that the man was supposed to be arraigned before Bobonong magistrate court on Tuesday morning.
However, early in the morning at around 0400hrs, the police were notified that the suspect had committed suicide.