Picture: One of the firearms discovered in the suspect’s possession/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The alleged serial rapist (39) has been arrested during a well-planned tactical and crime intelligence-driven operation, which was conducted on 6 April 2023 by Klipgat and Hebron Detectives as well as Klipgat and Mothotlung Visible Policing together with Brits Tactical Response Team (TRT).
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Amanda Funani said, the alleged serial rapist was arrested at Sofasonke Section in Klipgat. Funani further said, the police pounced on the suspect at his residence after information was received about a man, who was in possession of firearms and ammunition and looking for a potential buyer.
“During the arrest, the suspect was found in possession of a pistol. Following preliminary crime scene investigation, it came out that the man was a wanted alleged serial rapist, who evaded arrest for the past two years.
“It is alleged that the suspect targeted and raped women who walked home with their boyfriends from taverns in the early hours in Klipgat. According to information, he would rob the boyfriend of their personal belongings and take the victims to the nearby bushes, where he would rape them,” she said.
Funani further said, as part of the investigation, the suspect led the police to his other place in Dubai Section in Mabopane, Gauteng Province where an AK 47 rifle with 33 ammunition, three magazines, and 25 pistol ammunition were found hidden in a shack. She added that the suspect is currently facing several charges of rape, house robbery, business robbery, attempted murder, and several counts of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
“He is expected to appear before the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday,” said Funani.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the police involved and members of the community for their concerted efforts that resulted in the arrest, which he said will bring down levels of rape in the affected areas.
The Guardian 