A 36-year-old resident of Magopane ward, Ramotswa, who is implicated in a series of 15 rape cases, appeared before Extension II Magistrates Court today to answer to a new charge of sexual assault.
Gomolemo Leeto is accused of raping a 30-year-old woman from Moeng ward in Ramotswa on July 28 this year.
In court, it was reported that during the attack, Leeto recognized the victim and tried to strangle her. However, she managed to escape and report the crime to the police, leading to his arrest.
Investigating officer Lucas Tibone disclosed that upon Leeto’s arrest, it was found that he is connected to 15 additional rape cases involving similar circumstances.
“During the interrogation, we discovered a cell phone in Leeto’s possession that belongs to one of the 15 victims who reported being attacked by an unknown assailant,” Tibone explained.
Tibone requested that Leeto be held in custody, citing the recent nature of the case and the necessity of gathering statements from additional victims. “I urge the court to keep the accused in custody as I need to visit his residence in Mmathethe with other victims to conduct a search. I also have yet to record statements from further victims, and I am concerned that he may attempt to intimidate or interfere with them if granted bail,” Tibone argued.
Leeto, who was given a chance to respond, denied the accusations and requested bail, citing his job and child responsibilities. “I am asking for bail. I will report to the police station daily, as I need to support my job and child,” he stated.
In her ruling, Magistrate Keabetswe Majuta highlighted that the investigation is still underway and that more complaints could arise. She noted that Leeto had not adequately addressed the investigating officer’s statements. “The investigation must be allowed to proceed. Therefore, bail will not be granted, and you are to appear in court again on August 22,” Magistrate Majuta decided.
