Johannesburg - Alleged serial rapist and murder accused Malesela Ledwaba fears for his life.
He told this to the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo on Monday, where he appeared on 17 counts of rape, three for murder and one for robbery.
Speaking through his legal representative from Legal Aid SA, Ledwaba asked the court not to keep him in the Mahwelereng police holding cells.
“He is requesting to be transferred to Tin Myne police station, saying he fears that his life is in danger in the Mahwelereng police holding cells,” said the legal representative, a Mr Machaba. Ledwaba did not provide details on the apparent danger to his life.
The court learnt that he was already being held at his preferred police station and found no need to issue an order.
The 42-year-old Ledwaba appeared in court in shackles.
He covered his head with a jacket, opening up his face to the magistrate only as he stood in the dock. He was not asked to plead and will appear in court on Tuesday.
Ledwaba, from Magope village in the Mapela area outside Mokopane, is alleged to have raped women between 2002 and last year.
He is accused of murdering his three alleged victims.
Last week, police arrested him after subjecting hundreds of men in surrounding villages to compulsory DNA tests.
At his neighbouring Mmamala village on Monday, two elderly women appeared excited at the news of his arrest.
The Star