Police arrested a 34-year-old foreign national who, under the guise of being a “prophet”, allegedly raped and robbed several women in the north of Pretoria.

It is alleged that the self-proclaimed prophet would rape his victims after performing rituals in bushes and rivers.

Temba police spokesperson Herman Moremi said the man would ask his victims to buy milk and salt to be used as part of cleansing rituals.

“He had gained a reputation as a pastor who can prophesy. He takes his victims to a river in the area to perform rituals.

“It is suspected that during these rituals he would repeatedly rape them. After the ordeal he would force them to bathe before robbing them of their belongings.”

Moremi said one of the victims was a 16-year-old and another one was also a foreign national.

“The detectives established that all the victims identified the suspect with the same modus operandi.

“Two cases were reported in April this year and two cases were reported over the weekend,” he said.

“The suspect was arrested on Wednesday after he was identified by one of his victims.”

Moremi said the man will soon appear at Moretele magistrate’s court facing charges of rape, assault and robbery.

“Community members are advised to avoid being prophecised to by unknown people. False prophets always target vulnerable people who will do anything to get help.”