Serial rape accused Gomolemo Loeto, 36, is furious with the state for intentionally registering two new rape cases against him shortly after being granted bail by the Extension II Magistrates' Court fortnight ago.
Appearing before court today, Loeto, accused the prosecution of sabotage as he was hit him with post-bail charges. The prosecution countered his release with additional rape charges.
“The new cases registered against me do not sit well with me. The charge sheet shows that the offence took place on June 16, 2024, and I am here wondering why did it take this long to be registered,” he bemoaned.
Loeto argued that the state wants to torment him after six months of incarceration just to deny him release with the newly registered cases.
“I feel like these cases are just sabotage and I am wondering if you guys waited for me to be finally be granted bail before you registered these new cases as they took place last year,” he said.
Presiding Magistrate Keabetswe Majuta responded to the accused stating that as to when and where the prosecution brings matters forward, is up to the court based on evidence gathered.
Prosecutor Simon Galebonwe made an application for the accused to be further remanded in custody.
“We request that an order be made for the accused person to be extracted blood sample for testing as he has refused before. In light of that, we would like for him to be further remanded in custody,” Galebonwe said.
Contesting the fresh application, Loeto pleaded that he will comply with investigations so that he stands a chance to be granted bail. He elaborated that he will also abide by bail conditions, if granted.
Unconvinced by Loeto’s plea, Magistrate Majuta remanded the accused in custody.
“You cannot be a good candidate for bail when you are suspected to be a serial rapist. The application of the state is unopposed as you are yet to provide a blood sample,” she ordered.
Following the additional rape charges against Loeto, the accused now faces three cases of rape with the likelihood of taking the total number of cases to 20. The prosecution alludes Loeto might be the man on their radar for unsolved rape cases in Ramotswa as they have occurred in the same pattern. What is left is for the state to test his blood sample against 17 more victims.
The case continues on April 8.
“The new cases registered against me do not sit well with me. The charge sheet shows that the offence took place on June 16, 2024, and I am here wondering why did it take this long to be registered,” he bemoaned.
Loeto argued that the state wants to torment him after six months of incarceration just to deny him release with the newly registered cases.
“I feel like these cases are just sabotage and I am wondering if you guys waited for me to be finally be granted bail before you registered these new cases as they took place last year,” he said.
Presiding Magistrate Keabetswe Majuta responded to the accused stating that as to when and where the prosecution brings matters forward, is up to the court based on evidence gathered.
Prosecutor Simon Galebonwe made an application for the accused to be further remanded in custody.
“We request that an order be made for the accused person to be extracted blood sample for testing as he has refused before. In light of that, we would like for him to be further remanded in custody,” Galebonwe said.
Contesting the fresh application, Loeto pleaded that he will comply with investigations so that he stands a chance to be granted bail. He elaborated that he will also abide by bail conditions, if granted.
Unconvinced by Loeto’s plea, Magistrate Majuta remanded the accused in custody.
“You cannot be a good candidate for bail when you are suspected to be a serial rapist. The application of the state is unopposed as you are yet to provide a blood sample,” she ordered.
Following the additional rape charges against Loeto, the accused now faces three cases of rape with the likelihood of taking the total number of cases to 20. The prosecution alludes Loeto might be the man on their radar for unsolved rape cases in Ramotswa as they have occurred in the same pattern. What is left is for the state to test his blood sample against 17 more victims.
The case continues on April 8.
