SECUNDA – The 33 year-old man accused of a series of rapes, kidnappings, attempted rape and murder will know his fate on April 7.
The accused last appeared in the Secunda Regional Court on March 25 and his sentencing was postponed to April 7.
He faces 28 charges of rape, 21 of kidnapping, six charges of robbery, and attempted rape and murder. All the charges total 57 counts of crimes committed from 2003 up until 2010.
According to Col Leonard Hlathi, spokesperson for the police, the police’s effective use of its forensic department which drew blood samples from the victims and conducted analyses produced enough evidence to charge the suspect.
“The results thereof suggested that there was a serial rapist operating around the Secunda area. The findings were confirmed through the DNA profiles on numerous rape cases they had received, which were identical, however no match existed on their data base,” he said.
He said a list of the cases involved was sourced and all the necessary dockets were obtained for proper analysis. “Upon perusal of the dockets which originated from various stations around the Secunda area, it became apparent that the modus operandi was similar and a conclusion was drawn to the fact that there were common identification features of the perpetrator. As a result, the police were compelled to compile an identikit with the help of the victims,” he added.
A forensic investigation was conducted which positively linked the suspect to a series of unsolved rape cases in the area.
The accused has already appeared several times in the local Regional Court and the case is now approaching its final stages.
The provincial commissioner, Lt GenThulani Ntobela, has congratulated the members of the police who relentlessly worked on the case. He said it was now in the hands of the court to decide on the verdict.
“I take this to salute the calibre of members I have in the Sexual Offence Unit (FCF) environment, they have shown eagerness and zeal in executing their duties. This is indicative of the fact that many villains were sent to languish in jail for lengthy periods. I hope and believe that the tenacity and agility by the seasoned investigators will bear good fruit,” concluded Ntobela.
