Facebook serial rapist absconded bail – SAPS Crime Report: 2021-11-12 20:18:00

South African Police Service

Office of the Provincial Commissioner North West

In an effort to bring to book those who perpetrate acts of violence against women, a team made up of the Provincial Investigation Phycology Section (IPS) at the Provincial Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management Unit and Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit investigators, arrested a 35-year-old suspected serial rapist after months of hard work.   

According to information available at this stage, reports suggest that the suspect contacted unsuspecting female victims between the ages of 19-34 via Facebook, offering them work in Klipgat, Loate, Soshanguve and Rietgat areas during the period June to October 2021. He would then invite them for an interview and make an appointment for them to meet in person. During their first appointment, the victims were taken to secluded bushy areas, where they were overpowered, threatened with a knife/firearm, robbed of personal belongings and ultimately raped.

The suspect was traced and arrested on Tuesday, 19 October 2021 at a petrol station in Soshanguve. His last Court appearance was before the Ga-Rankuwa District Court today, Friday, 12 November 2021, for a formal bail application, but he absconded bail and will remain in custody. He is charged on 15 counts of rape and 10 more counts ranging from armed robbery, attempted murder, kidnapping and common robbery. His next court appearance will be on Tuesday, 22 February 2022.

Investigation into the matter continues and the police cannot rule out the possibility of linking the suspect to other cases.

Anyone with information that can assist the police in their investigation is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Capt Hein Rabe of the Provincial Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit on Cell: 079 ?881 9923.

The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the team for their diligence which resulted in the arrest. He urged the public to exercise extreme caution when honouring initial appointments with potential employers/friends, especially after meeting them through social media. Furthermore, he discouraged individuals not to meet strangers alone for the first time, but at public places where there are people who can protect one from harm.

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