Reabetsoe ‘Katara’ Bulane, a former employee of Cappello, a resurant at Maseru Mall, testified this week in an ongoing sexual offense trial. Bulane recounted events from the night of January 19, 2024, when he was working as a waiter at Cappello.
He stated that it was his first time meeting the complainant, Priscilla Hakane, although he had previously seen her companion, Thato, from a distance. That evening, he was serving two female customers, whom he later invited to join the table where Priscilla and Thato were seated.
Although Priscilla and Thato were being served by another waiter, only identified as Joshua, Bulane continued attending to his own clients at the same table.
According to Bulane, his clients left before the restaurant closed, while Priscilla and Thato remained. As they were leaving, Joshua informed him of an unsettled champagne bill, which he initially thought belonged to his clients. However, upon verifying his records, he confirmed that his customers had cleared their bills.
To resolve the issue, Bulane and Joshua decided to check on the remaining patrons. He said that before stepping outside, a man named Mpho from the nearby restaurant, The Market, informed him that Thato was heavily intoxicated and unable to stand outside the restaurant.
Bulane rushed out and found Thato alone, Priscilla was nowhere to be seen. The Market staff told him she had gone to another club still at Maseru Mall.
Concerned about Thato and the unpaid bill, Bulane went to find Priscilla at the club. He located her with a male companion, introduced himself, and explained the situation. Priscilla assured him she would return to assist, so he left.
However, after waiting for 10 to 15 minutes without her showing up, he decided to search for her again. When he passed by The Market Restaurant, a guy called Tšepo informed him that Priscilla had entered the women’s restroom.
Bulane stated that he went in, knocked twice on the restroom door but received no response. He noticed the dim lighting inside, indicating someone had been there for an extended period.
Upon entering, he found Priscilla seated on an open toilet, her brown tights lowered to her knees, with her head resting on the flushing tank. He claimed he attempted to wake her, but she only briefly opened her eyes before closing them again, appearing heavily intoxicated.
Bulane testified that he then helped Priscilla dress. While doing so, a worker named Mpho knocked on the door, asking if they were done, as the restaurant was closing. After spending approximately 10 to 15 minutes inside the restroom, he and Priscilla exited.
However, just a few steps from the restroom, Priscilla suddenly pulled away from him and started shouting, accusing him of rape. The Market staff urged them to leave as they were closing the premises. At the exit, Priscilla sat down and repeated the accusation.
A waiter at The Market advised Bulane to return to Cappello, suggesting that if Priscilla was serious about the allegation, she would follow him there. Upon returning, he saw Thato still lying down in a drunken state.
About 15 minutes later, Thato entered Cappello and asked him what had happened. After he explained the incident, he went to the kitchen. Five minutes later, Priscilla arrived, shouting and pointing at him, again accusing him of rape. A heated exchange ensued, with Priscilla throwing objects, including an ice bucket, and spitting at him.
Bulane stated that his colleagues noticed his anger and advised him to leave before he did something he would regret. He exited through the back door, where his car was parked, and drove home. While driving, he received a call from colleagues at Cappello informing him that Priscilla and Thato were now fighting.
The following morning, on January 20, Bulane received a call from his cousin, who urged him to check Facebook for disturbing allegations against him. Using his sibling’s phone, as his own was off, he discovered a post by Priscilla accusing someone named “Katara” of rape.
Disturbed by the allegations, he went to Ha Mabote Police Station to seek clarification on legal procedures. He was then directed to the Maseru Mall Police Station, where the alleged incident had occurred. Upon arrival, he was informed that no case had been registered against him.
Despite living in fear, Bulane was not contacted by the authorities until January 26, 2024, when he received a call from Maseru Central Police Station instructing him to report himself. Upon doing so, he was informed that Priscilla had formally lodged a rape complaint against him.
He was detained from January 26 until January 29, when he appeared in court.
During cross-examination, Advocate Sekoati Hlophe questioned Bulane about why it took him 10 to 15 minutes to wake and dress the complainant. Hlophe also inquired why female wait staff had not assisted her.
Bulane responded that waking a highly intoxicated person was difficult and that Cappello and The Market had only male waiters on duty that night.
The prosecution further argued that even if Bulane did not commit rape, touching a woman’s thighs without her consent could constitute sexual assault. Bulane insisted that his actions were solely intended to ensure the safety of the restaurant’s patrons, in line with workplace policies.
Advocate Hlophe also pointed out that it was suspicious for a heavily intoxicated individual to twice accuse him specifically of rape. Bulane maintained that he was still perplexed as to why Priscilla had accused him.
The trial, presided over by Magistrate Thabang Tapole, continues with Hlophe representing the state and Advocate Dlamini Matla leading the defence. The case is set to resume on May 2, 2025.
Relebohile Makhetha is a court and crime reporter based in Maseru. She has been working at Newsday since 2024. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Communication from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (2024) and a Diploma in Mass Communication from the National University of Lesotho (Institute of Extra-Mural Studies, 2018).
