Alleged serial rapist killed in Mandeni after shootout with police

A suspected serial rapist, who referred to himself on social media as ‘Vivian Chili’ and targeted women between the ages of 22 and 29, was shot dead by police in Sundumbili, recently.

According to provincial police spokeswoman, Col Thembeka Mbele, on December 9 at about 10:50am, a multi-disciplinary operation was conducted where the team operationalised information about the alleged serial rapist, who was operating in the Mandeni area.

“The team proceeded to Skhalambazo Road in Mandeni where the suspect was hiding. The police officers asked the suspect to open the door but he refused. The door was then forced opened and upon opening the door, the suspect attempted to shoot the police officers. The suspect was fatally wounded during the confrontation. An illegal firearm with four rounds of ammunition was found in his possession,” she said.

The deceased suspect was linked to seven cases of rape and charges of robbery, according to Col Mbele.

“The suspect began his evil deeds from July 2020 until December 2020. He would target women, aged between 22 and 29, via social media. He used to call himself ‘Vivian Chili’ on social media. He would then take his victims into a secluded area in the bushes along the Mandeni Railway line, where he would rape them numerous times at gunpoint and rob them of their belongings. Charges of rape and robbery were opened at Mandeni SAPS,” she concluded.