Suspected serial rapist arrested over alleged rape of 14 women

A 36-year-old man has been arrested in Nongoma in connection with the alleged rape of 14 women in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, with police linking him to the cases through DNA evidence.

The SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in Ulundi arrested the suspect on Sunday, 20 September, in the Ncotshane area of Nongoma.

In a statement ion Monday police said that the suspect allegedly began raping women in January 2010 when he attacked a woman in Mahlabathini.

He was arrested at the time but was later released on bail. Police say he subsequently absconded from court, resulting in a warrant being issued for his arrest.

While out on bail, he allegedly raped seven women in Pongola, four in Primrose and Germiston in Gauteng, and one woman each in Paulpietersburg and Magudu.

Police said the suspect allegedly targeted women who were alone at home. He would reportedly break a window or door before threatening the victims with a knife.

During his initial arrest in 2010, investigators collected evidence which was later used to link him to the various cases through DNA analysis.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Mahlabathini Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 21 September, for allegedly failing to appear in court in 2010.

He will thereafter face formal charges relating to the other 13 rape cases.