Limpopo police have arrested a 33-year-old man believed to be the serial rapist who terrorized the communities of Bolobedu and Tzaneen between 2015 and 2016.
- Limpopo Police have arrested a serial rapist who is believed to have terrorized and raped women in Bolobedu and Tzaneen between 2015 and 2016.
- Police say there is a possibility the suspect is linked to more cases and have pleaded with the women who were assaulted by the suspect to come forward.
- Police said one of the victims was also attacked with a panga.
Limpopo police have arrested a 33-year-old man believed to be the serial rapist who terrorized the communities of Bolobedu and Tzaneen between 2015 and 2016.
The Polokwane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses (FCS) unit arrested the man in Tzaneen on Wednesday.
Limpopo Police spokesman Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said they had been investigating at least seven rape cases reported to them between 2015 and 2016 and noted they had a similar modus operandi.
It said the man was arrested in Tzaneen CBD after police received a tip about his whereabouts.
“Investigations revealed that the perpetrator targeted unsuspecting women on his way to Tzaneen and who did not know the area very well, or offered to help them… by doing so, he would lure them into secluded areas.
“The suspect then raped and robbed the victims of their belongings. One of the victims was also hit with a panga,” Ledwaba added.
The suspect would also target women hitchhiking on the R71 road to Phalaborwa and Giyani.
ledwaba added:
Concerted efforts were made to apprehend the perpetrator, who was unknown until finally linked through forensic evidence.
The man made a brief appearance at Tzaneen Magistrate Court on Friday, where he was charged with multiple counts of rape and robbery.
He will appear before the Bolobedu Magistrate Court on Tuesday and again in Tzaneen on Friday for a formal application for bail. Police said there is a possibility the suspect could be linked to more cases as police investigations are still ongoing.
READ | GBV activist challenges law that prohibits naming defendants in rape cases
Police are calling on victims who believe they may have been victimized by this man to come forward and report the matter to the nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe, praised the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses (FCS) unit for their meticulous investigation to apprehend the man.
