XIKUKWANI – A resident of Xikukwani Village, Wilson Failance Mabasa (37), appeared in the Giyani Regional Court last Friday on a count of rape.

Mabasa is accused of raping a 36-year-old woman during December last year. It is alleged that the rape occurred at Xikukwani Village in the bushes.

The spokesperson for the Giyani police, Insp. Hasani Mabaso, confirmed that Mabasa is also accused of several similar charges. His alleged modus operandi was to strangle his victims' throats when they screamed.

The case has been remanded to March 19 and the accused remain in custody. He was not granted any bail.

* Mr Johannes Rasebotsa (35) of Mphagani village appeared in the magistrate's court last Friday on a case of attempted rape. It is alleged that Rasebotsoa attempted to rape a woman in February at Mphagani. He was also denied bail and the case was remanded to 20 March.

* Another rape case, in which the accused was denied bail, is that of a 60-year-old resident of Nhlaniki Village who allegedly raped a 14-year-old girl. The accused has been denied bail and the case has been postponed to April 8.