-Staff Writer / Thurs, 1 Jan 2025
A 55-year-old man suspected of being behind a string of rapes and robberies spanning more than two decades across parts of the Free State has been arrested, with DNA evidence now linking him to several long-unsolved cases.
Confirming the arrest, Free State police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli said the suspect was apprehended following a recent rape in Mangaung and has since been connected to multiple cases through forensic analysis.
“Through diligent detective work and DNA profiling, the suspect has now been linked to at least eight cases of rape and robbery committed in Mangaung and Welkom, some dating back as far as 1999,” Kareli said.
According to police, the suspect was arrested after allegedly attacking a 21-year-old woman who was walking home from town through the Magengenene graveyard. Community members who became aware of the incident pursued the suspect and handed him over to Mangaung police.
Investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly used deception to lure his victims. He is accused of posing as a “prophet” and claiming that his ancestors required women to perform rituals in a graveyard. Once there, he would reportedly instruct victims to undress for “cleansing”, cut and burn their hair on a nearby grave, before raping and robbing them. He allegedly told victims that their cellphones would be used by “witches” to track them.
Police say DNA evidence has linked the suspect to seven additional rape and robbery cases five in Mangaung and two in Welkom bringing the total number of cases officially connected to him to eight. Records further indicate that the suspect was on parole when he allegedly resumed his criminal activities in 2022.
The investigation is being led by Detective Sergeant Bessie Nthoba from the Mangaung Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, under the cold case and serial rapist division.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court soon on multiple charges of rape and robbery.
Police believe there may be more victims who have not yet come forward. Anyone who may have been targeted 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 the matter at their nearest police station.
News Junction (Gold Standard)