The police in the Free State did that arrested three suspects wanted for rape including a 14-year-old, during Operation Shanela II.
Provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli said the suspects had been successfully apprehended in connection with separate long-standing rape cases in the Bloemspruit area.
“Based on vital information from an informant, the tracking team launched a targeted search operation. They successfully located and arrested 47-year-old Deon Joshua at a residential address in Bergman, Bloemspruit. Joshua was wanted on an arrest warrant issued by the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court in 2025 in connection with a rape case in Bloemspruit,” Kareli said.
After a new tip from an informant with the assignment, the team managed to arrest a wanted 14-year-old who had been wanted for several years.
“The suspect, linked to a 2022 rape case in Bloemspruit, had avoided arrest and prosecution for four years before his actions came to an end,” Kareli said.
The teenager cannot be named because he is a minor.
While on the trail of another suspect, the tracking team received information about the whereabouts of another wanted suspect in Phase 7 at approximately 12:20 PM on Monday, July 13.
“The members responded quickly, leading to the arrest of 32-year-old Thoriso Joseph Makhala. Makhala was wanted for the horrific rape of an intellectually disabled woman in Bloemspruit in 2017,” Kareli said.
Police said these arrests are a testament to the dedication of the investigation team and the invaluable support they receive from the community.
“We will continue to hunt down those who prey on the vulnerable and ensure they face the full force of the law,” Kareli said.
All three suspects are expected to appear in the Bloemfontein District Court soon to face their respective charges.
IOL
Robin-Lee Francke
iol.co.za