| 2025/03/26 |
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Media Statement VIRGINIA – The 28-year-old Thato Sharack Leeto appeared in the Virginia Magistrate court and his case was postponed to 30 April 2025 for further investigation. Leeto is believed to be behind a series of rapes and burglaries that have haunted the communities of Virginia, Meloding and Makwane for several years. He is now facing multiple charges, including eight counts of rape, following an extensive investigation. Between mid-2018 and late 2022, the Virginia community experienced a series of housebreakings, common robberies, house robberies, and thefts, creating a climate of fear. During this period, eight cases of rape, housebreaking, house robbery and theft were registered in the Virginia/Meloding area. In 2023, the Forensic Science Laboratory in Pretoria provided a forensic investigative lead, linking an unknown individual to cases in Makwane and Qwaqwa. The dockets were assigned to Constable Mosioua Ntholeng, an investigator attached to the SAPS’ Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) Unit in Bloemfontein. He meticulously re-interviewed the victims, revisited and reconstructed crime scenes and diligently followed up on all information received. This comprehensive approach led to the identification of a 28-year-old from Excelsior as a primary suspect. Further investigation revealed that the suspect had a prior arrest record for housebreakings in Virginia, Welkom and Excelsior, exhibiting a similar modus operandi to the serial rapist. A buccal sample was obtained, confirming his identity. The suspect was visited at Winburg Prison on 24 March 2025 and is scheduled to appear at the Virginia Magistrate’s Court on 26 March 2025 to face eight rape charges. Additionally, he has been identified as a suspect in two further burglary cases that happened in Welkom and Virginia back in 2023, based on fingerprint evidence. Ends
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