By BAKANG MOKOTO
Former Lekwa-Temane Local Municipality mayor, Mpho Pilane has breathed a ‘sigh of relief’ after his rape and abduction case was withdrawn. Pilane (36) was arrested for allegedly raping, abducting, and sexually assaulting two teenage girls from Christiana on 8 December 2020.
It is alleged that Pilane took two girls aged 15 and 16 to a guest house in Delareyville where he plied them with alcohol before sexually assaulting and raping them. It is alleged that these girls went back home the following day and informed their parents about the ordeal.
A case of abduction and rape was subsequently opened at Christiana Police Station and transferred to the Delareyville Police Station for prosecution. Pilane handed himself over accompanied by his lawyer.
He appeared at Delareyville Magistrate’s Court and was granted a R1000.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothamme said: “The rape and abduction case against Pilane was withdrawn by the National Prosecuting Authority at the Delareyville Magistrates’ Court.
“The charges, two of rape and two of abduction in relation to two girls aged 15 and 16, were withdrawn due to insufficient evidence. The docket has since been handed back to the SAPS.”
The Guardian 