DURBAN - Police have arrested the alleged Facebook serial rapist who lured victims from as far afield as KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho, by offering fake domestic and security job opportunities through the social media platform.
Limpopo provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said police arrested the alleged Facebook serial rapist after he was admitted into hospital.
The suspect, 34, was wanted for multiple charges of rape and robberies committed between July 2020 and August 2021.
Mojapelo said it is alleged that the suspect committed the crimes in the Tzaneen policing area under Mopani District at Pharare, Mogophong, Mokgoloboto and Burgersdorp villages.
He said the women, aged between 22 and 46, were reportedly lured by the suspect, who falsely advertised non-existent domestic and security jobs on Facebook.
“Some of the desperate victims travelled from as far as KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho. The suspect patiently waited for the unsuspecting victims at taxi ranks and bus terminals,” Mojapelo said.
“On their arrival, he would make some excuse and walk with the victims utilising a road that passes through the bush to arrive at their destination. He would then ultimately rape and rob them of their belongings and then flee the scene.”
“The suspect was sought for 14 cases of rape and robbery that took place in the said villages under Tzaneen policing area,” Mojapelo said.
He said the cases were later transferred to the Tzaneen Family Violence and Child Protection unit. The team was able to track the suspect within a period of three months.
He was arrested on Saturday at the Letaba Hospital where he was admitted after sustaining a gunshot wound allegedly in the Burgersdorp village near a graveyard on November 2.
Mojapelo said the suspect was expected to appear in the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court after he recovers.
He added that investigations were continuing.
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