'Prophet' of Peril: Suspected Serial Rapist Arrested After Graveyard Attack
Bloemfontein, Free State – A 55-year-old man is in police custody, believed to be a serial rapist responsible for a terrifying string of rapes and robberies across Welkom, Thabong, and Bloemfontein, with crimes dating back over two decades. The suspect's alleged reign of terror came to an end after a recent attack in a graveyard, thanks to the swift action of vigilant community members.
The suspect was apprehended after allegedly attacking and raping a 21-year-old woman who was walking home from town through the Magengenene graveyard. Alerted to the situation, community members intervened, chased down the suspect, and handed him over to the Mangaung police.
According to police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli, preliminary investigations have revealed a disturbing pattern in the suspect's alleged modus operandi. "The suspect reportedly posed as a prophet, claiming that his ancestors required the victims to perform rituals in the graveyard," Kareli explained.
The alleged con would then take a sinister turn. "Once at the Magangenene graveyard, he would persuade victims to undress for 'cleansing', cut the victim’s hair and burn it on [a] nearby grave, proceed to rape the victims, rob the victims of their cellphones, claiming ‘witches’ would use the devices to track them,” said Kareli.
Detective investigations, coupled with DNA profiling, have since linked the suspect to at least seven additional cases of rape and robbery – five in Mangaung and two in Welkom. The forensic evidence connects him to crimes dating back as far as 1999, revealing a deeply troubling history of alleged sexual violence.
Kareli added a further disturbing detail: "The forensic evidence links him to crimes dating back as far as 1999. Records indicate the suspect was out on parole when he allegedly resumed his criminal activities in 2022." This suggests a failure in the system to protect the public from a known offender.
The most recent graveyard attack is now the eighth case formally linked to the suspect. He is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court, where he will face multiple charges of rape and robbery.
Detective Sergeant Bessie Nthoba is leading the investigation from the Mangaung Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit’s cold case and serial rapist division. The police believe that there may be more victims who have not yet come forward, and are urging anyone with information to contact them.
"Police believe there may be more victims who have not yet come forward. Anyone who may have been targeted similarly is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Nthoba on 082 886 8979, the Crime Stop line on 08600 10111, or report the matter at their nearest police station." This is a crucial step in ensuring that all victims receive the support they need and that the suspect is brought to justice for all of his alleged crimes. The investigation is ongoing.
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