Speaking before court, Prosecutor Simon Galebonwe stated that investigations in the case are still ongoing and are taking longer than they had envisioned. “We are still waiting for the forensic reports from the forensics who are comparing the samples of the victims and of the accused,” Galebonwe said. Astonished by the remarks made by prosecutions, Magistrate Majuta suggested that the State was beginning to sound like a broken CD with a case involving Loeto. “Even now you want to tell me that you are still waiting for the results? What could be taking so long?” asked Majuta. She stressed that months have passed and the State is still singing the same song, which is not fair on the accused person. “It's taking forever. This has been going on since registration of this matter. It has been six months now,” she said.
Accused person Loeto shared the same sentiments as the magistrate and emphasised that he too is irked by the dragging investigations. “This has been going on for long. I would like to ask the State to complete their investigations,” Loeto said. In defence, Galebonwe said initial samples that were sent to the forensics team were sent back, which now meant investigations are delayed. “Samples were sent to our lab, but were returned as we are waiting to extract blood from other victims so that all the samples can be sent together at a go,” he said. Majuta instructed the prosecution to get their investigations in order and pick up their pace. "...please pick up your case as the accused is remanded in custody. “What I want is to hear a better report on the next mention which is set for February 26, 2025,” Majuta ordered. Loeto has been charged with numerous counts of rape with the likelihood of taking the count upto 15 following the investigating officer (IO), Tiboni Lucas' remarks that the accused might be the man who has been on their radar for the rape cases in Ramotswa and surrounding areas.
The IO revealed that Loeto is the suspected serial rapist in the cases because of the same pattern recognition in the victims' rape accounts.
