DISABLED STUDENT SODOMISED BY SCHOOL COOK

A 34 year old man of Thito ward in Maun accused of raping a male disabled student at Thuso Rehabilitation Centre appeared in court last week. Jackson Mbapeua Tjihonge is facing a single count of rape in which he is accused of raping a male student at the disabled school’s boarding facilities at night. Appearing before Chief Magistrate Mompati Taolo, the Centre’s Deputy Executive Director, Dickson Samaemo, told the court that between the dates of 12th and 16th May 2009, he received a complaint from one of their students (name withheld) who accused the cook of sodomy. Samaemo said the complainant mentioned that the accused had a habit of knocking on their windows and doors at night. “He said that Tjihonge went into their room which was dark and undressed him and penetrated his anus.” Samaemo said that the complainant reported that the rape episodes happened in a series of days and he had to ask for help because it was painful. The Director said that they took the mentally disabled student, who was studying life skills, to social workers where he repeated his claims. The court heard that the accused was also brought in for questioning but denied the charges. The court heard that the accused was also brought in for questioning but denied the charges. Taolo said that their investigations did indeed prove that the accused was seen around the school premises at night on those dates, though he stayed outside school. The case was reported to police with the accused being suspended from duty while the complainant was taken to Letsholathebe Hospital for medical examination. Though the medical form did not show any injuries, Detective Inspector Phelindaba Gumede of Maun Police, told the court that the absence of injuries does not rule out penetration. He said that looking at the victim’s condition it is extremely unlikely that he lied. He also told the court that during questioning the accused opted to remain silent. The accused is out on bail and the court will make a ruling today (Friday).