Loeto sentenced to 20 years for rape

A convicted Ramotswa rapist who still faces two more rape trials in court, Gomolemo Loeto, has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment.

He was sentenced by Extension II Magistrate Ms Keabetswe Majuta on Wednesday, after failing to provide exceptional circumstances to justify a lesser sentence than the mandatory statutory term.

Magistrate Majuta, in passing sentence, noted that although the convict submitted written mitigation, he fell short of persuading the court to impose a lesser penalty.

She said the convict claimed to be a first-time offender, that he was raised by his father, and that he had been sexually abused by another man while growing up.

However, she said the court had to balance the interests of society in protecting victims of sexual offences.

She further noted that the days he spent in custody would be deducted from the sentence.

Loeto was recently convicted by the same magistrate, who also ordered that he undergo an HIV test prior to sentencing.

He was convicted in relation to a rape incident on 28 July 2024 at Goo-Moeng Ward in Ramotswa ,and the police suspect him of having committed a similar offence in Ramotswa, using the same modus operandi.

Magistrate Majuta advised him of his right to appeal both the conviction and sentence within fourteen days.

The convict’s other case is scheduled for status hearing on September 23.

Update: Bonang Masolotate
Photos: Gaseitsiwe Moruakgomo