Suspected Virginia serial rapist, Thato Leeto has made his first appearance in the Local Magistrate’s Court on eight counts of rape.

The 28-year-old is believed to be behind a series of rapes and burglaries at Virginia, Meloding and Makwane between 2018 and 2022.

Police Spokesperson Mahlomola Kareli says in 2023, DNA collected from several incidents found a link to cases in Makwane and Qwaqwa.

Kareli says further investigations led to the identification of Leeto as a primary suspect.

He says the suspect was traced to Winburg Prison on Monday.

The case has been postponed to April 30 for further investigation.