Man accused of multiple sex offences arrested in Lenasia, Johannesburg

South African Police Service

Man accused of multiple sex offences arrested in Lenasia, Johannesburg
Man accused of multiple sex offences arrested in Lenasia, Johannesburg

Management of police in Gauteng have welcomed the arrest of a 33 year old man believed to be behind a number of rape cases reported between February and March 2019 at Lenasia and Lawley, in Johannesburg.

In all four reported cases, three rape and one attempted rape, the perpetrator was known to the victims and the latter were thus able to provide police with valuable information.

Police operationalised information at their disposal and on Saturday morning 16 March 2019, arrested the suspect. Further investigation led police to a second house where police arrested a 45 year old man for possession of an unlicensed firearm. The firearm is believed to have been used by the 33 year old suspect during the commission of sexual offences against all four victims, including a 10 year old victim of attempted rape.

A forensic analysis is underway to establish whether or not the suspect could be linked to previous crimes against women and children in and around the Lenasia area. To this end, the possibility cannot be ruled out that the suspect could be linked to cases outside of Gauteng.

“The urgent investigation of crimes against women and children will remain a national priority of the SAPS for as long as necessary. While this arrest is most welcome, it is imperative for the investigators to also conduct a modus operandi analysis and thorough forensic tests in case we have a serial rapist in our hands, in the best interest of victims of sexual offences,” cited the Provincial Commissioner of police in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, urging the investigators to leave no stone unturned in dealing with perpetrators of rape and gender based violence.

The suspect will appear in the Protea Magistrate’sā€™ Court on Monday, 18 March 2019.

Members of the public are urged to continue to report crime and suspicious persons to the police by contacting their nearest police station or calling Crime Stop at 08600 10111.

Anonymous tip-offs are also welcome.

South Africa Today ā€“ South Africa News

SOURCESouth African Police Service