POLOKWANE – The tactical focus of police in Limpopo to eradicate serious criminal acts, especially sexual offenses terrorising women and children, is continuously producing magnificent results, says police spokesperson, Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe.
This follows the arrest of one of the most wanted serial rapists in the province.
You might also want to read: Limpopo serial rapist sentenced to life, 165 years
“A well co-ordinated intelligence driven operation compromising of the Groblersdal Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) and crime intelligence, succeeded in tracing this serial rapist, who has been terrorizing women around Rakgoadi, Nebo and Sonnoville policing areas in the Groblersdal Cluster between the 2014 and 2017,” he explained.
The 35-year old taxi owner, targeted victims between the ages of 14 and 23-years-old by offering them lifts at night using a taxi or a private vehicle. While driving to their destination, he would deviate, pounce on them and drag them to secluded areas and rape them. In some instances, the ordeal would take place inside the vehicle.
According to Ngoepe, the suspect was once arrested in Shoshanguve near Pretoria for burglary in 2017 and he was later released.
“Intensive investigations by the FCS have linked him to six cases of rape in Limpopo he was traced and arrested in Alexandra, Gauteng by the above mentined Saps Limpopo Joint Task Team. He will appear before the Nebo Magistrate Court today,” he added.
Provincial Commissioner, Lt. General Nneke Ledwaba, has commended the excellent team effort by the Groblersdal FCS and crime intelligence unit for successfully apprehending this dangerous criminal.
“This is a clear cautioning message to all criminals out there, especially those who target vulnerable citizens, that they can run but they will never hide from the long arm of the law,”concluded Ledwaba.
The South African Police Service are making an appeal to anyone who might have been a victim to this suspect to contact Detective Warrant Officer Malacia Moela at 071 355 0577; the crime stop number 08600 10111; the crime line sms 32211 or the nearest police station.
