Leano Vergotine has been found guilty of multiple child sex offences after the Western Cape High Court convicted him on 15 of the 17 charges he faced.

The 41-year-old Ceres man was convicted on Monday in the Western Cape High Court, which is sitting at the Wynberg Regional Court. The charges included rape, sexual grooming, possession of child pornography, using a child for child pornography, creating child pornography, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, and assault.

Court convicts Ceres man on 15 charges

Acting Judge Amanda Van Leeve delivered the judgment after a case involving several child complainants.

The State alleged that Vergotine targeted minors in separate incidents. These included the rape of a 16-year-old girl in September 2022, the rape and sexual assault of a 15-year-old boy while filming the attack, and the grooming and rape of a nine-year-old child on several occasions.

Vergotine was found not guilty on charges of kidnapping and attempted rape.

Daily Voice previously reported that prosecutors relied on video evidence, witness testimony and medical findings during the trial. The State argued that the videos supported several separate charges, rather than duplicated counts.

Video evidence central to State’s case

According to the source report, video recordings were central to the State’s case. Prosecutor Renée Uys argued that some charges flowed from separate videos recorded on the same day using a single device.

The defence disputed parts of the State’s case during closing arguments.

Defence attorney Nawaal Abduragmaan challenged allegations that Vergotine had kicked and stepped on one complainant. She argued that he had only smacked the child and asked the court to consider common assault rather than assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

The defence also disputed allegations of anal penetration involving one child complainant. However, the court heard that medical evidence confirmed injuries to the child’s anus.

Judge says testimony contained contradictions

Van Leeve criticised Vergotine’s evidence in court.

“The accused did not make a good impression on the court as a witness, his testimony was filled with lies and contradiction,” she said.

The judge also noted that Vergotine claimed he had smacked a minor for stealing his cellphone, money and alcohol. However, she said he was still in possession of his cellphone to record incriminating videos.

Van Leeve further found that Vergotine had lured one child complainant to his house under the pretence that they would look for her friend.

Sentencing proceedings expected

After the judgment, Vergotine was led down to the cells.

The case is expected to continue on Tuesday, when sentencing proceedings are due to begin. If sentenced on all counts, Vergotine faces a lengthy prison term.

The Leano Vergotine guilty verdict comes after a trial that focused on child rape, grooming, assault and child pornography-related offences.