A 28 year old suspected serial rapist, wanted for at least twelve rapes which he allegedly committed in the Johannesburg area and who have been on the run from police since Wednesday morning, has been nabbed this morning in KwaZulu-Natal.
Specialist serial rape investigators from the Hillbrow and Johannesburg Central SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) units, assisted by the Durban Central Dog Unit and Durban Organised Crime Unit have been following the man's trail since he fled his home in Johannesburg just before police raided it on Wednesday morning.
At 01:30 this morning the task team went to a house in F-Section, KwaMashu where the suspect was found. He attempted to escape when he heard a knock on the door but police had the house surrounded and subsequently arrested him.
It has been established from investigations thus far that this man is alleged to have lured his victims to a restaurant or bar by asking them to celebrate his birthday with him, at his expense. During the course of the evening, he further lured one of these young ladies away from the "celebration", taking her to Hillbrow or Johannesburg Central. He then took the woman into a hotel room under the pretext of fetching another person or his luggage. Once inside the room he allegedly raped the victims overnight. The suspect targeted young women between the ages of 19 years and 21years in and around the Johannesburg area and most recently, in Pretoria.
The National Commissioner, General Bheki Cele has praised the team for their hard work. "The task team and the KwaZulu-Natal members that supported the team must be applauded for their untiring efforts and perseverance to bring this cunning man to book for his barbaric attacks on innocent women", said General Cele. "The efforts by these members certainly emphasises the South African Police Service (SAPS) determination to address crimes, particularly against women, without delay," added Cele.
The South African Police Service, in particular the task team would also like to express its gratitude to all the callers that have assisted the efforts of the team to track down this alleged perpetrator.
The identity of the alleged serial rapist will not be revealed until he has pleaded in court and also provided that the revelation of his identity will not in any way discloses the identity of any of the victims.
Enquiries:
Colonel Vishnu Naidoo
Cell: 082 567 4153 or 082 779 8658
Tel: 012 400 6573
E-mail: mediacentre@saps.org.za
Source: South African Police Service
