A 41-year-old man from Ceres is at the centre of a deeply disturbing rape trial in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court. Leano Vergotine faces 18 charges, including rape, attempted rape, kidnapping, assault, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, using children for child pornography, creating child pornography and possession of child pornography.

The matter returned to court on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, when the defence was expected to call a witness. That witness did not appear, and the case was postponed to Wednesday, 22 April 2026.

State Details Claims Involving Multiple Minors

According to evidence presented in court, the State alleges that Vergotine kidnapped a 16-year-old girl on 10 September 2022 and threatened her into consenting to sexual penetration while taking photographs of her private parts. Court documents state that he penetrated her without consent.

The court also heard that the following day, a 15-year-old boy was allegedly raped while a video was being recorded. That video evidence has already been viewed by the judge, the State, the defence and the investigating officer.

Vergotine also faces charges linked to the alleged sexual grooming and rape of a nine-year-old boy. In a separate allegation, he is accused of offering a 12-year-old boy money and gifts in exchange for pictures of his private parts.

Court Hears Shocking Admission

One of the most chilling moments in the trial came during cross-examination by State Prosecutor Renee Uys. When asked why he raped the 15-year-old boy, Vergotine replied: “I felt like it. I couldn’t control myself.”

The court also heard that he claimed the sexual penetration involving the 16-year-old girl was consensual vaginal penetration and denied anal penetration. He further said she was drunk and could not remember what happened the following morning.

More Evidence Still to Come

The case has already exposed serious claims of sexual violence, coercion and child exploitation. With the trial postponed to 22 April, attention now turns to what further evidence may still emerge as proceedings continue in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court.