North West police request the public to assist them in tracing a 33-year-old serial rape accused who escaped from police custody on September 17.

Boas Jacob Kgatlhane of Thabazimbi faces 13 rape charges in the Limpopo and North West provinces.

Provincial police spokesperson Brig Thulani Ngubane said: “Kgatlhane preyed on teenage girls aged between 14 and 17 since April 2009 until August 2013.

“He would target them while they were walking alone. The charges include one count of rape in Mecklenburg, three counts in Thabazimbi, two in Lethabong (North West) and seven in Letlhabile, near Brits.”

Ngubane said that Kgatlhane escaped on September 17 while being escorted from the Brits court after a short appearance, where he was denied bail.

He allegedly kicked open the door of the police vehicle transporting him and bolted when it stopped at a traffic light.

“An ongoing operation to recapture Kgatlhane is under way.”

In the meantime, police are appealing to members of the public who may know of his whereabouts to contact WO Seraka Temane on 0829346275 or Capt Kgaithiue Mafotsa on 0822695175, Crime Stop number 0860010111, Crime Line 32211 or the nearest police station.

“Police request the public not to make any attempts to capture the suspect but to report him to the police,” Ngubane said.

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