SICELO SIMELANE TO BE SENTENCED IN 21 DAYS

MANZINI – In exactly 21 days, Mbabane Highlanders defender, Sicelo ‘Junior’ Simelane will be sentenced by the court.

The suspect, who was first charged with a rape offence, had his charges amended to the contravention of the Girls and Women’s Protection Act. The suspect in January 1, 2013, near Matsapha had canal connection with *Mary who was 14 years at the time.

He pleaded guilty to the said offence when the charges were first read to him in court.
Advocate Mduduzi Mabila, who is represents Simelane, was yesterday given a chance to mitigate on behalf of his client.
Mabila told the court that Simelane was remorseful for his actions, hence he pleaded guilty to the said offence. He added that Simelane was a first offender and was actually in a love relationship with Mary when the incident occurred. Mabila further stated that the two former love birds used to go clubbing together and also attend soccer matches.

“Your Worship, the complainant’s physique is big and there was no way my client could have known that she was below the age of 18. They also met and enjoyed their relationship even inside cars, until the incident occurred,” Mabila said.

The advocate said it was not true that Simelane assaulted the complainant when they were having sexual intercourse.
“My client was also assaulted by the complainant after she came across text messages which she assumed were sent by other women. In retaliation, he assaulted her back Your Worship,” Mabila said.

The girl Simelane is alleged to have had unlawful sexual intercourse with at the time was also present in court together with her parents, family and friends.

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