South African police have arrested a 55-year-old man believed to be responsible for a series of rapes and robberies committed over more than two decades in Welcome, Thabong and Bloemfontein.
According to SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli, the suspect was arrested following a recent attack on a 21-year-old woman in Bloemfontein.
“The SAPS has successfully arrested a 55-year-old male suspect believed to be linked to a series rapes and robberies spanning over two decades in Welcome, Thabong and Bloemfontein,” Kareli said.
The latest incident is said to have occurred while the victim was walking home from the city via Magengenene cemetery, where she was located attacked and raped.
Community members intervened, chased the suspect and handed him over to Mangaung police.
Investigators allege the suspect used a pattern of deception to target victims.
“Preliminary investigation has revealed a disturbing pattern of deception. The suspect allegedly posed as a ‘prophet’ and claimed that his ancestors required the victims to perform rituals at the cemetery,” Kareli said.
Police allege that once at the cemetery, the suspect persuaded victims to undress for so-called cleansing rituals, cut their hair and burned them on nearby graves before raping them and robbing them of their cellphones.
He reportedly claimed that the devices could be used by witches to track down the victims.
Through detective work and DNA profiling, the suspect has been linked to another seven cases rape and theft – five in Mangaung and two in Welcome.
The forensic evidence links him to crimes dating back to 1999.
Police data also shows that the suspect was on parole when he resumed his criminal activities in 2022.
“The recent attack on the cemetery marks the eighth case now officially linked to his name,” Kareli said.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court on multiple charges of rape and robbery.
The investigation is being led by Detective Sergeant Bessie Nthoba of the Mangaung Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses Unit, cold case and serial rapist division.
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Xolile Mtembu
iol.co.za