Magistrate convicts Loeto of rape
Larona Makhaiza | Wednesday July 29, 2026 16:31
Loeto is suspected to be a serial rapist in close to 20 rape cases that were reported in Ramotswa, as they have the same modus operandi. He is currently charged with three counts of rape, with the likelihood of increasing the count to a possible 20.
Loeto was today convicted of a rape charge dating back to July 28, 2024 at Ramotswa Magistrate Court. In delivering judgment, Majuta called five witnesses whose evidence painted a consistent account of the events leading to the offence. Among witnesses was the medical doctor who examined the complainant's shortly after the incident. The doctor had told the court that the complainant was in pain during examination and had sustained bruises on her neck and body, an injured knee and was wearing dirty clothes. The doctor further observed a white vaginal discharge and concluded that the complainant had been sexually violated.
A forensic scientist also testified that the DNA recovered from the complainant’s swabs and blood on her sweater was consistent with DNA that of the accused, suggesting contact between the two.
Majuta upheld Loeto’s objection regarding the DNA obtained from him alluding that the proper legal procedure had not been followed. Despite excluding the portion of the DNA evidence, Magistrate stated that the State was able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Loeto had sexually violated the complainant. “The doctor confirmed that there was sexual violation and the accused himself admitted that they had sexual intercourse. There is therefor, no need for me to dwell on whether the intercourse occurred,” the Magistrate said. The complainant had also shown that she knew Loeto as she told the court that Loeto had threatened her with an Okapi knife, strangled and forcibly raped her without using protection. She had further testified that after the assault, Loeto had forced her to accompany him to his place so she could bath while he continued threatening her with the knife. But she eventually managed to escape. In his defenc,e Loeto had maintained that the sex was consensual and he had bought her alcohol. He testified that afterwards the complainant demanded P1 500 later reducing the amount. Magistrate Majuta rejected Loeto’s version of events, finding it inconsistent with the medical evidence. “The accused testified that the complainant demanded money. However, I do not find this to be reasonably true because the complainant sustained injuries which demonstrates that force was used,” Magistrate ruled.
In addition, “I am satisfied that the prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt that the complainant did not consent to sexual intercourse. I therefore, find the accused guilty and convict,” Majuta ruled.
Following the conviction, the prosecution applied for Loeto to undergo fingerprint profiling and HIV testing. Magistrate granted prosecution their wish and set the matter for August 26 for mitigation. With one case concluded, Loeto still has more cases to answer.