A 38-year-old man appeared in court for the rape and murder of 19-year-old Kathlego Makuwa, a student at Carletonville’s Westcol Campus. The tragic discovery was made on May 27 when a friend went to check on Makuwa at her Beryl Street boarding house after she failed to attend class.

Upon entering the unlocked room, the friend found an unknown man who immediately fled. Makuwa was found lifeless with visible injuries, and emergency services confirmed her death at the scene.

Police identified the suspect as a former mine worker and current staff member at the same boarding house. He was arrested the next day by Sergeant Malesela Kekana, who spotted him walking along Agnew Road. The man confessed during police questioning.

Investigations have since linked him to at least six other serious crimes, including murders and rapes across Carletonville, Fochville, Westonaria, Johannesburg, and the Eastern Cape. Authorities believe he may be a serial killer and rapist. He remains in custody as investigations continue.