Ramotswa Suspected Serial Rapist Found Guilty

A convicted rapist whom police have linked to a series of rape cases in Ramotswa, Gomolemo Loeto, has been ordered to undergo an HIV test and fingerprinting ahead of sentencing.

Extension II Magistrate, Ms Keabetswe Majuta on Wednesday, after convicting him of rape, ordered that should he refuse, minimal force should be used to ensure compliance with the extraction of blood samples for HIV testing and fingerprinting.

Loeto was convicted of a rape incident on July 28, 2024 at Goo Moeng Ward, in Ramotswa, where the police suspect he could have committed similar offences using the same modus operandi.

When convicting him in one of the three cases already registered before Extension II Court, Magistrate Majuta said the court found that the prosecution had proved its case against him beyond reasonable doubt.
The magistrate said evidence presented by the prosecution pointed to forceful sexual intercourse, as opposed to consensual sex as claimed by the accused.

She said the doctor who examined the complainant noted soiled clothes, bruises on the body and neck and soil particles in the perineal area, which were consistent with physical and forced sexual intercourse.
She added that other state witness, who was with the complainant before the incident, provided evidence that corroborated the complainant’s and doctor’s account.

The witness noted that on the said day, while walking with the complainant in an open space from a bar, the accused came from behind and placed a brown Okapi knife around his neck and instructed him to run, leaving the accused with the complainant.
The complainant also testified that Loeto threatened her with a knife and dragged her to a nearby bush.

A scuffle ensued and Loeto eventually overpowered her and raped her.
After the incident, Loeto threatened her with a brown Okapi knife and instructed her to go to his place of abode so that he could bathe.
Upon arrival, the convict boiled water in a kettle and while waiting for it to boil, the complainant managed to escape and locked him inside the room.
She ran to the main house calling for help, where an elderly woman came out and said she did not know the convict as he was a new tenant.

The accused then managed to get out of the house and demanded his keys.
He fled the scene and only returned after five days, something that the magistrate said was consistent with the behaviour of a man who knew he had committed unspeakable acts.
In his defence, Loeto told the court that the complainant had consented to intercourse at his place.
He alleged that after the act she demanded P1, 200, claiming to be a prostitute.
He said he offered P200 and the complainant said she would settle for P950 at least.
According to Loeto, when he looked for his phone in the house, the complainant locked herself in the room and started shouting that she had been raped.
The case is scheduled for a hearing on exceptional extenuating circumstances on August 26. Meanwhile, Loeto also appeared for another mention on another rape case before the same magistrate. The case will also be mentioned on August 26.

Update: Bonang Masolotate
Photos: Gaseitsiwe Moruakgomo