Accused serial rapist Gomolemo Loeto has lost patience with the prosecution indicating that the investigations are dragging, hindering his chances of securing bail.
Appearing for a status update on his matter before the Extension II Magistrate Court, Loeto shared that he has been in police custody for over two months now. He is suspected of raping over 15 women in Ramotswa.
Loeto stated that he is perplexed at how every time he appears for a mention, the state alludes that investigations are ongoing, leading the court to further remand him.
In court this morning, Prosecutor Simon Galebonwe updated the court before presiding Magistrate Keabetswe Majuta that the forensics unit is yet to conclude their tests and made a plea for the accused to be remanded.
“The investigations are ongoing in this matter and we are still waiting for a report from the forensics as the accused did provide his DNA and they are busy conducting tests,” asked Galebonwe.
Accused Loeto was, however, not pleased with what Galebonwe advised the court.
“What I would like to know is how long exactly the investigations take because I have been in custody for two months,” Loeto asked.
He further said that when he was first denied bail, it was put to him that it was just a precautionary measure that he does not hinder investigations. He said he wonders how he can do that two months later as the issue is not new.
Magistrate Majuta asked the prosecutor to provide a time frame when the investigations will be concluded so that Loeto's bail could be considered.
In his response, Galebonwe stated there is no time frame right at the moment.
"...forensics has many samples to go through and we could only have the frame on the next mention date,” Galebonwe shared.
The case continues at Extension II Magistrate on October 14.
Loeto stated that he is perplexed at how every time he appears for a mention, the state alludes that investigations are ongoing, leading the court to further remand him.
In court this morning, Prosecutor Simon Galebonwe updated the court before presiding Magistrate Keabetswe Majuta that the forensics unit is yet to conclude their tests and made a plea for the accused to be remanded.
“The investigations are ongoing in this matter and we are still waiting for a report from the forensics as the accused did provide his DNA and they are busy conducting tests,” asked Galebonwe.
Accused Loeto was, however, not pleased with what Galebonwe advised the court.
“What I would like to know is how long exactly the investigations take because I have been in custody for two months,” Loeto asked.
He further said that when he was first denied bail, it was put to him that it was just a precautionary measure that he does not hinder investigations. He said he wonders how he can do that two months later as the issue is not new.
Magistrate Majuta asked the prosecutor to provide a time frame when the investigations will be concluded so that Loeto's bail could be considered.
In his response, Galebonwe stated there is no time frame right at the moment.
"...forensics has many samples to go through and we could only have the frame on the next mention date,” Galebonwe shared.
The case continues at Extension II Magistrate on October 14.
