POLOKWANE- The Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses (FCS) Unit in Tzaneen for the meticulous investigation that led to the arrest of a 33-year-old suspect on Wednesday 28 December 2022, believed to be the serial rapist who has been terrorising the communities of Bolobedu and Tzaneen.

The alleged serial rapist was arrested at the Tzaneen CBD after police received a tip-off. The police have been probing at least 7 rape cases that were reported between 2015 and 2016 which they noticed had similar modus operandi.

Further investigation revealed that the perpetrator targeted unsuspecting women on their way to Tzaneen town who either did not know the area very well or he just offered some assistance and in doing so, he would lure them to secluded areas. The suspect would then rape and rob the victims of their belongings. One of the victims was hacked with a panga during the incident.

The suspect also targeted women hitchhiking on the R71 road on the way to Phalaborwa and Giyani. Concerted effort was put in trying to apprehend the perpetrator who was unknown until he was ultimately linked through forensic evidence.

The accused briefly appeared at the Tzaneen Magistrates' Court on Friday, 30 December 2022 on multiple charges of rape and robbery. He will appear before Bolobedu Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 03 January 2023 and in Tzaneen on 06 January for formal bail application.

The suspect may be linked to more cases as police investigations are still unfolding.

Police appeal to victims who may have fallen prey to this suspect to come forward and report the matter at the nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via MySAPS app.

Police investigations continue.

Source: South African Police Service