Police spokesperson, Motantsi Makhele, tells OFM News that the suspect will not only face charges of rape but also charges of possession of suspected stolen goods. Makhele adds that upon the arrest of the suspect, the police escorted him to his residence where they found two flat-screen TVs, two Amplifiers, an SANDF uniform, 40 cell phones, one geyser (tank), one fan, one microwave, a lady’s handbag full of jewellery, and a laptop.  

The Selosesha Tactical Response Team, working together with the Provincial Crime Intelligence Unit (Hawks) and the South African Police Service's Serial and Electronic FCS Investigation (SECI), a specialised section within Family Violence, went out to trace and arrest a serial rapist wanted in rape cases dating from 2008 to 2017. On Tuesday 23 March 2021, the team visited a few addresses where the suspect was last seen but with no luck. At the last address, the suspect was spotted walking in the streets and members approached him tactically.

The search for the suspect was not easy as he tried to flee the scene when he noticed a marked police vehicle approaching him. They managed to track and apprehend him, adds Makhele. Furthermore, the suspect may possibly be charged with more crimes as he is allegedly linked to many more cases, says Makhele.

Charges that go outside the borders of the Free State may be linked to the suspect as well, says Makhele.

Makhele quotes Lt.Gen. Baile Motswenyane, who said: “We would like to commend the splendid job done by our team. It’s through this collective effort, that one criminal, responsible for many cases affecting women and children, will be removed from our streets.”

OFM News/Lee Simmons