Magistrate approves forced DNA collection
Larona Makhaiza | Thursday June 25, 2026 14:13
Loeto is suspected to be a serial rapist in close to 20 rape cases that were all reported in Ramotswa. He is currently charged with three separate counts of rape before the Extension II Magistrate's Court, with the likelihood of increasing the count to a possible 20.
As a way to put an end to the back-and-forth refusal to provide a DNA sample, Principal Magistrate, Keabetswe Majuta issued an order agaist the accused. “The accused person is required within 48 hours of the granting of this order to submit himself to Ramotswa Police Station for purposes of making arrangements for the provision of a DNA sample to an authorised person for forensic analysis,” Majuta ordered.
The state had approached the court seeking intervention after repeated failed attempts to secure the DNA, arguing that the sample is key evidence in the case against Loeto.
In its ruling, the court authorised the Investigating Officer (IO) to apply force if the accused continues to give them a problem regarding the extraction of the DNA sample. “It is an order that Tibone Lucas is to use reasonable force on the accused to enable the forensic procedure to be carried out in the event of refusal,” she ordered. Following the order, the magistrate stated that the accused shall be further remanded in custody and shall appear for mention on July 29, 2026. The case continues.