By PAVEL BAILEY

Tribune Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN accused of raping and assaulting the mother of his child in Exuma in 2024 was present as testimony was given in his trial.

Khethino Cadet is on trial before Justice Jeannine Weech Gomez on charges of rape and aggravated assault.

Prosecutors allege Cadet raped and assaulted a then 33-year-old woman in Exuma on August 17, 2024.

Fredricka Dames, who appeared virtually via Zoom, said that on the same date, the complainant appeared at her door crying profusely.

Ms Dames said the complainant then explained what had happened to her.

Ms Dames said she was later present when the complainant and the defendant spoke on the phone, with the call on speaker.

When questioned by defence attorney Keith Seymour, Ms Dames could not recall whether the complainant had said during the call that the defendant had punched or choked her.

Ms Dames said she heard the defendant tell the complainant that they could work the matter out as a family without involving anyone else. However, she said the complainant refused the offer and demanded to have her belongings and her child.

Ms Dames agreed that she was not present for the alleged incident.

She also said the complainant did not show her any bloody clothes when she went to her house.

The defence suggested that Ms Dames was being used by the complainant to support a “lie” against the defendant.

The prosecution objected to this line of questioning.

Ms Dames said the complainant continues to attend her Bible study classes in an effort to live by its teachings.

Eucal Bonaby and Cassie Bethel appeared for the prosecution.