The Karoo farmer rape trial has heard detailed evidence about a stash of sex toys, lubricants and so-called “sex spray” allegedly found at the home and in the car of livestock farmer Louis Lategan. Detective Captain Theo van Zyl told the Makhanda High Court that the items were seized when Lategan was arrested on 3 July 2023.
Lategan, 42, is on trial for allegedly drugging, trafficking and raping six young women he recruited as au pairs between 2020 and 2023. According to the indictment, the women say they were lured to his Aberdeen farm via au pair agencies and social media with offers of salaries of up to R30,000, then allegedly given spiked drinks, locked in and repeatedly raped. One woman later died by suicide and two became pregnant, the state says.
Van Zyl said most of the women did not initially approach police themselves. The investigation began after a psychologist contacted authorities in late November 2022, reporting that a patient alleged she had been lured to the farm under false pretences and raped. The officer testified that once he realised the scope of the case, more names emerged as detectives followed up new reports
Defence Challenges Motives as Trial Continues
The Karoo farmer rape trial has also focused on the role of Lategan’s ex-wife. During cross-examination, defence lawyer Danie Gouws read messages between one of the complainants and the ex-wife, suggesting she may have influenced how allegations were brought to police. One message showed the ex-wife contacting an investigating officer to say the victim wanted to make a statement and would share voice notes and other material.
The state argues that job offers for au pair work were a cover to bring women to the farm for sexual abuse, allegedly across several provinces including the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and Mpumalanga. Court records show Lategan has prior convictions for assault and reckless driving, and previously received a suspended sentence for kidnapping and sexual assault in 2022. If convicted in the current matter, he could face life imprisonment.
Defence, family and right of reply
Gouws and fellow defence lawyers advocate Gustav Joubert and Casper Lötter have indicated they will oppose the state’s bid to admit hearsay evidence relating to the victim who died by suicide. A relative of Lategan’s ex-wife, Peter King, told IOL he admires the courage of the women who testified and said the family is grateful for what they see as a thorough investigation and prosecution.
Lategan remains in custody after being denied bail on the basis that he could be a flight risk and might interfere with witnesses. The Karoo farmer rape trial continues in the Makhanda High Court.
