Goreangab rape accused acquitted
NEWS IN SHORT
Moses Salele (34) has been cleared of rape and housebreaking charges in a case dating back to June 2020, when he was accused of unlawfully entering a shack in Windhoek’s Goreangab area and assaulting his ex-girlfriend and her cousin.
In his defence, Salele told High Court judge Philanda Christiaan that he believed the allegations were made in retaliation for a case he had opened against his ex-girlfriend prior to the alleged incident.
In her judgment, Christiaan noted that while the State's evidence indicated that sexual activity had taken place, there was no forensic or DNA evidence linking Salele to the offence.
With no direct or compelling circumstantial evidence, the court ruled that the State had failed to prove the accused's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, resulting in his acquittal.
Salele was represented by defence attorney Mbanga Siyomunji, while Palmer Khumalo appeared for the State.
- Rita Kakelo
In his defence, Salele told High Court judge Philanda Christiaan that he believed the allegations were made in retaliation for a case he had opened against his ex-girlfriend prior to the alleged incident.
In her judgment, Christiaan noted that while the State's evidence indicated that sexual activity had taken place, there was no forensic or DNA evidence linking Salele to the offence.
With no direct or compelling circumstantial evidence, the court ruled that the State had failed to prove the accused's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, resulting in his acquittal.
Salele was represented by defence attorney Mbanga Siyomunji, while Palmer Khumalo appeared for the State.
- Rita Kakelo
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