The South African Police Service (SAPS) has successfully arrested a 55-year-old man allegedly linked to a series of rapes and robberies spanning over two decades in Welcome, Thabong and Bloemfontein.
The suspect’s run from the law recently ended after he allegedly assaulted a 21-year-old female victim.
“The victim was walking home from the city through Magengenee Cemetery when she was attacked and raped. Members of the alert community responded to the incident, chased the suspect and successfully handed him over to the Mangaung Police,” SAPS said on Thursday.
Preliminary investigation has revealed a “disturbing pattern of deception.”
The suspect reportedly posed as a “prophet” and claimed that his ancestors required the victims to perform cemetery rituals.
Once at the Magaange cemetery, he convinced the victims to undress for ‘cleansing’. He then cut the victim’s hair and burned it on a nearby grave before raping the victims. The man would also rob the victims of their cell phones, claiming that “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 theft, five of which occurred in Mangaung, while two other cases occurred in Welcome.
“The forensic evidence links him to crimes dating back to 1999. Records show the suspect was on parole when he reportedly resumed his criminal activities in 2022. The recent cemetery attack is the eighth case now officially linked to his name.
“The suspect is expected to appear before the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court shortly to face multiple charges of rape and theft,” SAPS said.
The investigation is being led by Detective Sergeant Bessie Nthoba of the Mangaung Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses (FCS) Unit, Cold Case and Serial Rapist Division.
The SAPS believes there may be more victims who have not yet come forward.
Anyone who has been victimized 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 the nearest police station. – SAnews.gov.za
SAnews
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