A 42-year-old Ceres man will spend the rest of his life behind bars after the Western Cape High Court handed down a massive sentence for a string of horrific sexual offences committed in 2022. Leano Vergotine was sentenced to five life terms plus an additional 78 years, with the court ruling that he will not be eligible for parole.
During the sentencing proceedings, the presiding officer officially declared Vergotine a “paedophile” and a danger to society before imposing the lengthy punishment.
The severe sentence follows a series of gruesome crimes that took place over a three-month period between July and September 2022. Vergotine targeted multiple victims, including minors. According to court details, he raped and filmed two young boys, aged nine and 14. A 16-year-old girl was also raped and physically assaulted by Vergotine during the attack. In addition to the minors, an 18-year-old woman opened a case against him for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Following his arrest, Vergotine faced a heavy docket of charges. He was formally charged with five counts of rape, two counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, child pornography, grooming, and the contravention of the Film and Publication Act.
The successful conclusion of the complex case drew high praise from provincial police leadership. Western Cape SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General (Adv) Thembisile Patekile, commended the thorough investigation that ultimately led to the predator’s conviction.
Lieutenant General Patekile specifically highlighted the “relentless pursuit of justice” by Warrant Officer Anthony Rooy, a detective with the Ceres Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit, whose dedication ensured the lengthy sentence was secured.