R71 serial rape case transferred
The 33-year-old alleged R71 serial rapist whose reign of terror is believed to have started in 2015, reappeared before the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court on Monday, February 13.
The case was transferred to the Bolobedu Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, February 28, and Friday, March 10. He remains behind bars after he abandoned his bail application on January 12 on his first appearance. He is currently charged with five instances of rape and robbery. A forensic investigation is underway to determine if he is linked to more cases.
Also read: Alleged R71 serial rapist denies bail
Police have been probing at least seven rape cases reported between 2015 and 2016 with a similar modus operandi. He was arrested on December 28 in the Tzaneen CBD after police received a tip-off. He is believed to have been terrorising the communities of Bolobedu and Tzaneen. The perpetrator allegedly targeted unsuspecting women on their way to Tzaneen town who did not know the area very well.
He offered them assistance and in doing so, he allegedly lured them to a secluded area. The suspect would then allegedly 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.
