Lesetla v S (A66/2024)
Lesetla v S (A66/2024) [2024] ZAFSHC 366 (14 November 2024)
The court found the complainant's evidence to be trustworthy, consistent, and corroborated by medical and aliunde evidence, despite her young age and the absence of other direct witnesses. The appellant's alibi was raised late, not put to witnesses, and lacked credibility. The trial court correctly applied the principles governing single witness evidence and the double cautionary rule, as well as the statutory prohibition against treating sexual offence complainant evidence with undue caution. No substantial and compelling circumstances existed to justify deviation from the prescribed minimum…
Source excerpt
- Rape Of A Child
- Single Witness Evidence
- Double Cautionary Rule
- Minimum Sentencing
- Alibi Defence