‘Rapist on the loose’ – police

The Ekurhuleni SAPS Central Cluster is warning women to be cautious as a “rapist [is] on the loose”.

July 11, 2016

Penelope Masilela 1 minute read

This comes after several cases have been reported since June, in Etwatwa, the Benoni CBD and Kingsway.

Benoni SAPS spokesperson Const Zunickha Essakjee said a white Toyota Quantum, used as public transport (taxi), is being utilised by the rapist.

“It is alleged the man waits for the victim to be the last passenger, and then he threatens their lives with a knife and rapes them,” said Essakjee.

“The victims are raped in the vehicle.

“According to the victims, the man is tall, dark of complexion and medium in weight.”

Essakjee said he targets women of various ages.

He said police have also received a reported case of a man posing as a municipal worker, trying to register people for electricity.

“He then enquires where the parents are and if they are not available he instructs the victim to undress and rapes her,” said Essakjee.

Essakjee said it is unclear whether the rapes are committed by one person or not.

She urged all females to be careful when taking a taxi alone or when allowing strangers into their homes.

“We also plead with women to always walk in groups, especially at night, and not to take lifts from strangers,” she added.

Police would not say how many women have been raped.

Anyone with information that can lead to an arrest should contact the Benoni SAPS on 011 747 0053.