Police management 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.
A total of four cases have been opened, three being of rape and one for attempted rape. An anonymous who did not want to be named says the culprit is known to the victims, as a result he was able to provide the police with valuable information.
Police have used the information at their disposal and made an arrest on Saturday morning. Further investigations have led police to a second suspect where police arrested a 45-year-old man for a possession of 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,” said Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, the Provincial Commissioner of police in Gauteng.
Mawela, urged the investigators to leave no stone unturned in dealing with perpetrators of rape and gender-based violence. The suspect will appear in the Protea Magistrates’ Court on March, 18.
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.
