DNA test excludes man as father of Seshego teen’s (13) baby
A man excluded by DNA as a Seshego teen’s baby’s father still faces statutory rape charges, with legal debates and further investigations ongoing.
POLOKWANE – This week, intense discussions centred on the implications for a man excluded as the father of a child conceived by a 13-year-old girl, following the results of a recent DNA test.
The case resurfaced on Monday when the 28-year-old man, whose identity is withheld, reappeared in court on a statutory rape charge.
He was granted R1 500 bail after the DNA tests excluded him as the father.
The case was first brought to light on December 25 when Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego visited a township hospital to congratulate mothers on their Christmas babies and became concerned about the circumstances surrounding the minor girl’s pregnancy.
Read more: Justice sought for 13-year-old Seshego mother
The arrest of the accused followed the next day.
According to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, the man and the teenager met in May of the previous year, and by November, she was eight months pregnant.
The accused had bought groceries for the girl and her family, who were reportedly living in poverty.
Despite the DNA test result, the ANC Women’s League in Limpopo maintains that the statutory rape charge remains relevant.
They argue that the possibility of sexual engagement still exists, and they continue to support the prosecution of the accused.
The Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba echoed these sentiments on social media, reiterating the importance of pursuing justice for the minor.
The case has been postponed to May 5 for further consideration by the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Reports indicate that the accused is considering suing the state, though criminal lawyer Mike Maiwashe stated it would be difficult for any court to entertain such a request while the matter remains sub judice.
He also suggested that there may be an opportunity to pursue a case against the mother once judgment is delivered, particularly in light of the DNA exclusion.
Maiwashe raised the possibility that another adult male may have groomed the 13-year-old, potentially leading to another investigation.
For now, the case hinges on the testimony of the accused and the teenager, with the DNA results adding further complexity to the situation.
