DNA catches alleged serial rapist

Staff Writer / Sun, 27 Sept 2026

Suspect linked to four rape cases after years-long investigation

A 38-year-old man has been arrested after DNA evidence allegedly linked him to multiple rape cases reported in Kanana, Huhudi and Meadowlands.

Joseph Mokgwetsi, also known as Papi, was arrested in Vryburg on Wednesday, 23 September, following a joint investigation by the SAPS Investigative Psychology Unit (IPU), Mmabatho Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit and the Provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation (SECI) Unit.

North West Police spokesperson Majang Skalkie said the investigation linked Mokgwetsi to rape cases dating back to 2012.

“In one of the cases, a 24-year-old woman was allegedly dragged from her clothes and raped in an open space near Vaalpark in Kanana in 2012.Another case involves a 16-year-old girl who was allegedly raped twice in 2016. Police said the suspect allegedly forced his way into a house before raping the girl in front of her friend. He allegedly took the victim to a second house, where he raped her again, “she said.

Skalkie said in 2022, a 20-year-old woman was allegedly raped at a graveside in Huhudi after she went outside a tavern to answer a phone call from her father.

The suspect is also linked to a 2016 rape case in Meadowlands, according to police.

Mokgwetsi is said to have appeared before the Atamelang Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 25 September, and was remanded in custody. He is expected to return to the same court on Monday, 5 October, for a bail application.

North West police boss Lieutenant General Arthur Adams praised the breakthrough.

“Cases involving sexual offences require thorough, victim-centred investigations. I commend the members involved for their commitment and professionalism in pursuing all leads, which resulted in identifying and arresting the suspect. We will continue to pursue perpetrators of Gender Based Violence and ensure they face justice,” said Adams.

Adams said the DNA linkage highlighted the importance of specialised investigative skills and teamwork in solving cases and bringing suspects before the courts.

Police have since urged the public to continue supporting investigations into gender-based violence and sexual offences.

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