ANC Councillor at the City of Matlosana in the North West, Tebogo Sepale, has abandoned his bail application at the Orkney Magistrates Court. Sepale is facing 11 charges including statutory rape, manufacturing of pornographic material and sexual intimidation.
Sepale’s Attorney Kobus Burger told the court that he will not give reasons why his client abandoned bail. He however said his client is ready for trial. “After consultations with my client we decided not to proceed with bail and the reasons for that are between me and my client,” he said.
The decision to abandon bail has been met with mixed reactions from several opposition political parties in the province. Forum 4 Service Delivery spokesperson in Matlosana Mmatebogo Mosiako said they’re surprised by Sepale’s move but by abandoning bail, Sepale might be trying to stay away from the angry community he comes from.
“I was looking forward to him fighting for bail but let the law take its cause. By abandoning bail, he might be aware what is happening outside, the people are angry,” she said.
The EFF’s Regional Secretary Banele Faku called on the police to do thorough work in their investigation.
“I think Sepale realised on his own that he does not deserve bail. In the process of the investigation going on, the police must also work hard. They must make sure that all victims are consulted, then justice should be served, ” he said.
The President of the African Independent National Congress, Alfred Nyamane, welcomed Sepale’s decision. “We hope that the state will find reasons to lock him up,” he said. The case has been postponed to 24 August for further investigations.
