By BAKANG MOKOTO
17 June 2025- The accused, Thapelo Tshukutswane (33) is expected to make a second appearance before the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mmabatho on 17 June 2025. This follows his first court appearance on 9 June 2025, before the same court for being in possession of suspected stolen property.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the accused is also facing six counts of rape and six counts of robbery after being arrested at Mahikeng Taxi Rank on 6 June 2025, by a team consisting of the Provincial Investigative Psychology Unit, Mahikeng and Mmabatho Police, including a Reservist. Myburgh said the arrest was effected following intensive investigations and positive linkages of the suspect with the cases through DNA and fingerprints.
“The crimes were allegedly committed between December 2013 and May 2025. During the course of investigations, the team discovered suspected stolen property that included cellular phones, police uniform, vehicle rims and a television set, at the suspect’s residence in Lorwaneng village,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “It is hoped that the arrest of this sex pest and predator will not only bring an end to his long reign of terror, but send a strong message to other perverts like him that no matter how long it may take, the long arm of the law will finally catch up with them.
“His arrest will surely bring to a close a decade long spree of serious and violent crimes against the women and young girls in the Mahikeng area. His arrest which came about as a result of the adoption of Forensic DNA investigation by the police is welcomed and appreciated.”
Asaneng further said it is scant consolation to the six female victims, whose dignity and lives he has irreversibly and irreparably destroyed. He added that, there is the possibility of linking this barbarian to more than the six cases he is being charged for as some of his victims may have been intimidated or been too afraid to report their ordeals to the police.
“I am therefore calling upon potential victims to come forward so that this scumbag can fully account for his crimes. I have since instructed that the detectives must re-analyse all undetected rape, house breaking and robbery cases, especially from the areas that the suspect was prowling in the past 14 years.
“This thug must never be set free to continue with his heinous crimes,” said Asaneng.
The Guardian 