Five-year-old suffers bruises,trauma after alleged beating by UDC Councilor

Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) Councillor for Kabakae Ward in Gantsi, Roller Setlabane, is facing assault charges for allegedly beating a five-year-old son of another UDC politician in July this year.The case is being prepared for trial, with social workers involved to assess and compile a report on how the assault may have affected the child both physically and emotionally.It is alleged that on the day of the incident, Councillor Setlabane was driving around Bosele ward in Gantsi when he came across a group of young children playing and throwing stones. One of the stones reportedly hit his vehicle.Angered by the incident, Setlabane allegedly stopped his car, got out and demanded to know who had thrown the stone.Out of fear, the children pointed to the five-year-old boy. The Councillor then allegedly beat the child repeatedly with a tree branch, striking him all over his body.The assault is said to have been so severe that the child was left with bruises on his head, red marks on his back and forehead, and visible scars on his cheek and back.According to a close family member, the incident occurred just a few metres from the child’s home. Instead of speaking to the parents, the Councillor allegedly threatened to beat the boy again if he ever repeated the act.“The Councillor never went into the yard to talk to the parents about the matter. After whipping the child, he drove away, showing no concern for the injuries he had caused. The car was not damaged in any way,” the family member said.It is further alleged that the child has since been living in fear and that his behaviour has changed since the assault.“He no longer plays freely like before. He fears people. He is no longer his bubbly self. Whenever he does something wrong, he bursts into tears even before being spoken to,” the family member said.When reached for comment, the child’s father, whose identity is withheld to protect the minor, confirmed that there is an ongoing court case involving the assault.However, he declined to comment further, saying the matter is sensitive.For his part, Councillor Setlabane was unsure whether he should speak to the media.“I am not sure if I should speak if your intentions are to publish the story. I will need to consult my lawyer first for advice,” he said.By press time, Setlabane had not provided a formal response.

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Five-year-old suffers bruises,trauma after alleged beating by UDC Councilor