Decades of terror end: Serial rape suspect nabbed after 20-year crime spree in Free State
Free state man charged with multiple rapes and robberies.
Image: File
The South African Police Service has arrested a 55-year-old man believed to be responsible for a series of rapes and robberies committed over more than two decades across Welkom, Thabong and Bloemfontein.
According to SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli, the suspect was apprehended following a recent attack on a 21-year-old woman in Bloemfontein.
“The SAPS has successfully apprehended a 55-year-old male suspect believed to be linked to a string of rapes and robberies spanning over two decades across Welkom, Thabong, and Bloemfontein,” Kareli said.
The latest incident allegedly occurred while the victim was walking home from town through the Magengenene graveyard, where she was attacked and raped.
Community members intervened, pursued the suspect and handed him over to Mangaung police.
Investigators allege the suspect used a pattern of deception to target victims.
“Preliminary investigations have revealed a disturbing pattern of deception. The suspect reportedly posed as a ‘prophet,’ claiming that his ancestors required the victims to perform rituals in the graveyard,” Kareli said.
Police allege that once at the graveyard, the suspect persuaded victims to undress for so-called cleansing rituals, cut their hair and burned it on nearby graves before raping them and robbing them of their cellphones.
He allegedly claimed the devices could be used by witches to track the victims.
Through detective work and DNA profiling, the suspect has been linked to seven additional cases of rape and robbery — five in Mangaung and two in Welkom.
The forensic evidence connects him to crimes dating back to 1999.
Police records further indicate that the suspect was out on parole when he allegedly resumed criminal activities in 2022.
“The recent graveyard attack marks the 8th case now officially tied to his name,” Kareli said.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court on multiple charges of rape and robbery.
The investigation is being led by Detective Sergeant Bessie Nthoba of the Mangaung Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, cold case and serial rapist division.
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