province
7 September 2006
South African Police Service members in the North West province are
celebrating after a twenty-eight year old male, whom they suspect to be
involved in at least eight rape cases involving young girls, was taken into
custody yesterday. Between April and September 2006, eleven girls between the
ages of eight and fourteen years, have been raped by a man in the Klipgat and
Mabopane areas.
The suspect used the same modus operandi in all cases - he usually
approached two young girls and asked for directions, either to a nearby school
or tuck shop. He then persuaded the girls to accompany him claiming that he was
afraid that he would get lost. He then took the girls to a secluded area and
raped one or both of them.
The North West police launched a public awareness campaign once they began
to suspect that the same man was responsible for several rapes. Yesterday in
Klipgat two young girls were approached and asked for directions. Alarmed, the
girls ran away and, on encountering a police vehicle on patrol, alerted the
SAPS who promptly arrested the suspect.
The suspect bears a strong resemblance to identikits drawn up with the
victims and detectives are confident that they have nabbed their suspect.
An identification parade will be held on Friday and the suspect will
probably appear in court on Monday, 11 September 2006. Further investigations,
which include forensic testing, will continue and the Investigative Psychology
Unit from Head Office, which specialises in profiling serial offenders, will be
consulted.
Well done to the North West police who are rising to the challenge set by
the National Commissioner to rid our communities of repeat offenders in serious
and violent crimes.
Enquiries: Director Sally de Beer
Tel: (012) 393 1574
Cell: 082 779 8658
Fax: (012) 393 2165
E-mail: debeers@saps.org.za
Issued by: South African Police Service
7 September 2006
Source: South African Police Service (http://www.saps.gov.za)
