Mbabane – A man accused of rape told the Mbabane Principal Magistrate Fikile Nhlabatsi that he was unprepared for the commencement of his trial on Monday.
This was when Phila Samkelo Shongwe (24) who was charged through the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) Act, 15/2018 for twice having sexual intercourse with a 11-year old minor, appeared at the Mbabane Magistrates Court.
It was expected to be the commencement of his trial.The offence was said to have occurred on October 10, 2023.
When questioned by the Principal Magistrate, Nhlabatsi, Shongwe said he was unaware that the trial was scheduled for the day and had therefore not prepared his defense.
During the court proceedings, the magistrate expressed concern over the accused’s lack of readiness.
She warned that his claim of being unprepared should not be used as a delaying tactic, stressing that such behavior could lead to contempt of court charges.
The court then granted him seven days to return to court with his lawyer, cautioning the accused to be prepared for trial.
However, he was remanded in custody until May 23, 2025, when the trial is set to continue.
The accused faces aggravating factors that go with the charge in that he neglected to use protection thus exposing the minor to the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS, as well as that the minor was under the age of consent, 18, rendering her lawfully incapable of consenting.
The accused is remanded in custody.
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