Detectives from Ulundi have arrested a suspect in the Ncotshane area of Nongoma on Sunday, September 20, in connection with a series of sexual offences.

The man is allegedly linked to 14 rape cases in KZN and Gauteng, with Germiston and Primrose among the areas named in the investigation.

Police allege that the suspect first raped a woman in Mahlabathini in January 2010.

He was arrested at the time but was subsequently released on bail. According to a police statement, he later absconded from court, resulting in a warrant being issued for his arrest.

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While out on bail, the suspect allegedly committed further rapes in several policing precincts.

Police said seven women were allegedly raped in Pongola, while four cases were reported in Primrose and Germiston in Gauteng. One woman was allegedly raped in each of the Paulpietersburg and Magudu policing precincts.

Police investigation has allegedly linked the man to all 14 cases.

According to the statement, the suspect’s alleged modus operandi involved targeting women who were staying alone.

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Police allege that he would break either a window or a door to gain entry to their homes before threatening the women with a knife.

Evidence collected during the suspect’s initial arrest in 2010 has reportedly played an important role in the investigation.

The statement said detectives conducted due diligence in collecting evidence at the time, and subsequent DNA analysis allegedly linked the suspect to the various rape cases.

Serial investigation reaches court stage

The arrest brings a lengthy investigation involving cases across KZN and Gauteng to a significant point, with the suspect now expected to face the courts.

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He is due to appear in the Mahlabathini Magistrate’s Court today, September 21, in connection with his alleged failure to appear in court following the 2010 case.

Police said he will thereafter be formally charged in connection with the other 13 alleged rape cases.

The allegations against the suspect have not been tested in court.