The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has expressed gratitude and appreciation for the sterling work that was executed by the Tzaneen Family Violence and Child Protection unit (FCS) following the apprehension of a highly wanted suspect.
A 34-year-old male suspect was wanted for multiple charges of rape and robberies that were committed between 2020 July and August this year.
It is alleged that the suspect committed these despicable acts in Tzaneen policing area under Mopani District at Pharare, Mogophong, Mogoloboto and Burgersdorp villages.
The female victims aged between 22 and 46 were reportedly lured by the suspect, who falsely advertised non-existent domestic and security employment opportunities on Social Media (Facebook) platform.
Some of the desperate victims travelled from as far as Kwa-Zulu, Natal and Lesotho. The suspect patiently waited for the unsuspecting victims at taxi ranks and bus terminals.
On their arrival, he would make some excuses 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 fourteen (14) cases of rape and robbery that took place in the said villages under Tzaneen policing area. The cases were later transferred to Tzaneen FCS unit.
The team worked tirelessly and managed to track down the suspect within a period of three months. He was arrested yesterday, Saturday 06 November 2021 at Letaba hospital. This after he was admitted with a gunshot wound allegedly sustained in Burgersdorp village near a graveyard on 2 November 2021.
The suspect is expected to appear in Tzaneen Magistrate’s court soon after his recovery at the hospital. Investigations are continuing.
