During the period of 2021 to 2023 a 14-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a 49-year-old man who was familiar to her.
This happened when the child’s mother was not home, and the perpetrator threatened to kill her if she told her mother.
“She was scared of him,” says Capt. Stephen Thakeng, media liaison officer for the Lejweleputswa police.
In April 2023 the victim sent a WhatsApp message to her mother and told her. It was immediately reported to the police. A case of rape was registered. The suspect has since been evading arrest. Thakeng says preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect has three children in Lesotho.
The police is now looking for Lawrence Louis Coetzee, who resides on Seemeeupark, Welkom, as they believe he can assist with information relating to the case.
Anyone with details can call Sgt. Mabote Lebone of the Welkom Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit on 082-885-2428 or Crime Stop: 08600-10111.
