The South African Police Service (SAPS) has successfully apprehended a 55-year-old man who is allegedly linked to a string of rapes and robberies spanning over two decades across Welkom, Thabong, and Bloemfontein.
The suspect’s run from the law ended recently after he allegedly attacked a 21-year-old female victim.
“The victim was walking home from town through the Magengenene graveyard when she was attacked and raped. Alert community members responded to the incident, chased the suspect, and successfully handed him over to the Mangaung police,” SAPS said on Thursday.
Preliminary investigations have revealed a “disturbing pattern of deception”.
The suspect reportedly posed as a "prophet" claiming that his ancestors required the victims to perform rituals in the graveyard.
Once at the Magangenene graveyard, he would persuade victims to undress for "cleansing”. He would then cut the victim's hair and burn it on a nearby grave and proceed to rape the victims. The man would also rob the victims of their cellphones, claiming "witches" would use the devices to track them.
Detective work and DNA profiling have since linked the 55-year-old to seven additional cases of rape and robbery with five of them taking place in Mangaung, while two other cases happened in Welkom.
“The forensic evidence links him to crimes dating back as far as 1999. Records indicate the suspect was out on parole when he allegedly resumed his criminal activities in 2022. The recent graveyard attack marks the eighth case now officially tied to his name.
“The suspect is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court shortly to face multiple charges of rape and robbery,” SAPS said.
The investigation is being spearheaded by Detective Sergeant Bessie Nthoba of the Mangaung Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, Cold Case and Serial Rapist Division.
The SAPS believes there may be more victims who have not yet come forward.
Anyone who was victimised in a similar manner is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Nthoba on 082 886 8979, call the Crime Stop Tip-off line on 08600 10111, or report to their nearest police station. - SAnews.gov.za
