A Qaqatu man who was seen fondling a four-year toddler before sexually molesting her is expected to appear in the Mohale’s Hoek Magistrate’s Court on Friday this week to answer rape charges.

Tšepang Molahla, 30, of Khohlong, Qaqatu was sometime in April attending a traditional feast in his home village when he pounced on the unsuspecting victim.

He had attended the function with fellow male villagers.

During the repast that ensued, Molahla is alleged to have confided in one of the men that he felt sexually aroused and wanted a woman.

But the only female who was in the vicinity it is further alleged was a four-year-old girl who was playing nearby.

Minutes later, Molahla was seen holding the child and fondling her private parts.