Alleged Benoni, Thembisa serial rapist due back in court

A suspected serial rapist linked to several cases in Benoni and Thembisa, in the East Rand, is expected to appear before the Daveyton Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

Benoni and Thembisa serial rapist

The 38-year-old man, who is employed as a security officer at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), was arrested on 22 January this year through an intelligence-driven operation by police.

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The accused made his first court appearance on 31 January, and was remanded in custody.

He was not named due to an outstanding identification parade.

On Friday, the accused is expected to apply for bail.

Charges

The man is facing two counts of rape, two counts of kidnapping, and two counts of pointing a firearm.  

It is alleged that he raped two women on different occasions. On 14 January 2023, while a woman was waiting for a taxi to go to work, it is alleged that the accused stopped his car and offered to give the woman a lift to where she was going. 

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When the complainant refused, it is alleged that he pointed at her with a firearm, forced her to get into the car, and drove with her to Putfontein where he raped her. 

“Furthermore, it is alleged that on 23 October 2023, while another female complainant was on her way home, she met with the accused who forced her into his car, drove with her, and raped her,” said NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana.

Since his arrest, Mahanjana said the accused was linked to 14 other cases of rape in Benoni and Thembisa. The youngest of his victims is a 14-year-old girl.

The state is expected to oppose the man’s bail application.

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