The police in Mpumalanga have arrested an alleged serial rapist who preyed on young girls aged from seven to thirteen. The 39-year-old suspect's reign of terror lasted for a year between 2023 and 2024.

HE TARGETED GIRLS PLAYING IN THE STREETS

It is alleged that the suspect, who was driving in a car around the area of Emalahleni, targeted young girls playing in the streets. "The perpetrator would send them to a tuck shop to single them out from other children. The perpetrator would then follow the victims, grab them, and force them inside the said vehicle. In the end, these victims would be sadly raped by their assailants," said police spokesperson Colonel Jabu Ndubane. According to Ndubane, several rape cases were opened, and a team from the family violence, child protection, and sexual offences unit worked around the clock after the members discovered that there was a serial rapist behind these incidents.

ARRESTED IN COURT

The man was arrested whilst attending court in Vosman for another separate case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) in a gender-based violence incident on Friday. The suspect will appear at the Emalahleni Magistrates Court today. Ndubane added that there are possibilities that the suspect could have been involved in about ten rape cases as well as kidnapping incidents that occurred around areas of Emalahleni, Vosman, and Mhluzi. The acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, said they are adamant that the team consisting of detectives and prosecutors will ensure that they present a watertight case against the suspect to have a conviction.