Alleged serial rapist caught in Phalaborwa
A man linked to six separate rape cases in Lulekani, Phalaborwa, Hoedspruit and surrounding areas is behind bars.
A 40-year-old man appeared before the Lulekani Magistrate’s Court on Monday, on charges of rape committed between October and January.
The suspect was arrested last Thursday in Leboeng village by the Phalaborwa Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.
It is alleged that he drove a white Polo Vivo to hiking spots and bus stops, offering women lifts and pretending to drive them to their destinations. On the way, he would go to remote bushes along the road and threaten the women with a firearm.
He allegedly tied them up, raped them, took photographs of them when they were naked, and ordered them to bathe after they were raped. The victims said he kept a two-litre water bottle in the car for this purpose.
The suspect also allegedly told his victims that he sold human parts for R60 000, and robbed them of their cellphones, money and jewellery before leaving them naked in the bushes.
He targeted young and middle-aged women.
The victims identified the suspect during a police identification parade.
SAPS’ Limpopo commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the investigating team for their swift reaction and efforts to track down and arrest the suspect.
“The community can rest assured that the culprit is off the streets and will face the full force of the law,” she says.
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