The KwaZulu-Natal (KN) provincial Government has reaffirmed its commitment to combat Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), strengthen community safety and support efforts to ensure that survivors have confidence in the criminal justice system.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli made the commitment during the court appearance of a 46-year-old suspect linked to the alleged rape of 16 women in the province.
Ntuli arrived at the Durban Magistrates’ Court accompanied by Acting Head of the KZN Department of Community Safety and Liaison Funi Makhanya, departmental management and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) activists.
The suspect made his first court appearance on Monday, 21 September 2026, where he is facing a series of sexual offences, which he allegedly committed between 2014 and 2025.
According to the police, 14 of the alleged rape cases were recorded in Cato Manor, with one each in Plessislaer and Taylor’s Halt. The suspect is also facing several other charges, including housebreaking and attempted murder.
The arrest follows an intensive investigation by specialised investigators from the Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation Unit and the Investigative Psychology Unit.
Investigators allegedly established links between the cases through the suspect’s modus operandi and DNA evidence.
Ntuli’s attendance at court forms part of the provincial government’s continued focus on GBVF and its support for law-enforcement efforts to investigate serious violent crimes and bring perpetrators before the courts.
The Premier welcomed the arrest following the police breakthrough and underscored the importance of evidence-based policing in addressing GBVF.
“This case underscores why we need professional, intelligence-led and evidence-based policing to protect women and bring alleged perpetrators to justice,” Ntuli said.
He said the Provincial Government stands in solidarity with the survivors and all victims of gender-based violence as efforts continue to strengthen the fight against GBVF across the province.
Speaking after the suspect’s court appearance, Ntuli called for improved collaboration between civil society and various organs of state to defeat the scourge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide in the province.
The Premier also urged Gender-Based Violence Activists to heighten their awareness campaigns in all corners of the province to ensure that all women receive the necessary information to effectively deal with any threats linked to the GBVF.
He further urged communities to continue providing information that can assist law-enforcement agencies in investigating cases of violence against women and children.
“The provincial government continues to advocate for a coordinated response to GBVF involving law enforcement, traditional leaders, civil society, communities, and other stakeholders. Through the province’s year-round Silwa Nechilo campaign, confronting violence against women and children requires sustained action throughout the year.
“Let us speak out, report abuse, support survivors and refuse to protect those who prey on women. Together, we must confront GBVF and make every community a place where women and girls can live without fear.” Ntuli said.
The court appearance marked the beginning of the judicial process in relation to the charges against the accused. The allegations remain subject to determination by the courts.
The case was postponed to 28 September 2026. – SAnews.gov.za
