Dros rape accused fit to stand trial after evaluation
Incredible Happenings Church leader and self-proclaimed prophet Paseka “Mboro” Motsoeneng expressed relief yesterday after the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court announced the man accused of raping a seven-year-old girl in a Dros restaurant fit to stand trial.
The decision was based on a report of a psychological evaluation the man underwent.
“Justice has been served here. This man is not insane. He was conscious of what he was doing,” Mboro said outside the court.
The Johannesburg-based cleric has been demonstrating at the court alongside civic organisations, political parties and religious formations during all the suspect’s appearances.
“I’m here because the Bible tells me we should defend the weak, the poor, the orphans, even those who cannot stand up for themselves.
“On behalf of the churches in the country, it is our duty to support all victims of any form of abuse. It’s very sad that our children are not safe, our women are not safe … our country needs healing,” said Mboro, who was flanked by #NotInMyNameSA activists.
The accused faces charges of rape, possession of drugs, assault with intent to do bodily harm and intimidation.
He allegedly followed the girl from the restaurant’s play area to the toilets where he raped her. The girl’s mother caught him in the act when she was looking for her child.
The court previously heard that the man had mental problems and had attempted suicide several times due to depression caused by bipolar disorder.
Police said the powder they found on him was the drug tik (medically known as methamphetamine), a potent stimulant mainly used as a recreational drug.
Rights activist Boitumelo Thage was also picketing at the court yesterday. “Hopefully, he will be sentenced on charges of rape and attempted murder of a minor,” said Thage. – ANA