State opposes bail for alleged Ramotswa serial rapist

Loeto is suspected to be a serial rapist in close to 20 rape cases that were all reported in Ramotswa. He is currently charged with three separate counts of rape before the Extension II Magistrate’s Court, with the likelihood of increasing the count to a possible 20. In an answering affidavit before the High Court in Gaborone, Investigating Officer (IO) Tibone Lucas stated that Loeto is charged under Section 141 read with 142 of the Penal Code, as amended by Act No.27 of 2021, contending that he is not a suitable candidate for bail.

The matter is registered before the Extension II Magistrate’s Court, where he has been denied bail and was told to appeal the decision at a higher court. Appearing before the High Court this week, Loeto pleaded for bail, stating that he is suffering prejudice. “It’s been quite a long time since I was first incarcerated.

And may I please be granted bail? I am innocent until proven guilty,” Loeto said. In response to the plea made by Loeto through an affidavit seen by MmegiOnline, the State argued that the applicant should not be granted bail.

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Lucas highlighted that the Magistrate’s Court previously denied Loeto bail after the prosecution opposed his release, ruling that he was not a fit candidate. “The applicant stands charged with an offence of rape, which is a very serious offence, and this case falls under Schedule 1 of non-bailable offences under the Bail Act except where exceptional circumstances are proven,” Lucas said. Lucas further argued that the victims are young children who are at risk of being influenced or intimidated should they come into contact with the accused if released on bail.

“The complainants in this case are young children who, by reason of their age, are susceptible to influence or intimidation by the applicant (Loeto) should they encounter him,” he said. The State also raised a concern over Loeto’s lack of permanent residence, which discredits him as the right candidate for bail. “The applicant does not have a fixed or known place of abode as investigations conducted were unable to establish any verified address at which he ordinarily resides and enquiries made did not confirm any permanent residence,” he said.

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