Serial rapist to face the music
Out for blood, the perpetrator approached an officer. Warning shots went off, but Mr Mkhwanazi did not flinch. He instantly redirected his attention to the officer who opened fire.
Three counts of kidnapping, three counts of intimidation and eight counts of rape; these are the charges in the most recent case to rock Newcastle.
The Newcastle Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit received alarming information regarding a suspected serial rapist operating in the Madadeni area.
According to police, a woman claimed she had been kidnapped by Thabani Mkhwanazi on September 1 just after midnight.
“He took her to another house at Madadeni where he repeatedly raped her until 7am,” said SAPS spokesperson, Captain Shooz Magudulela. “He then let her go.”
After taking the necessary statements from the victim, police made their way to the scene of the crime. Officers from the Crime Intelligence Gathering and K9 units accompanied police in an effort to track the suspect down before he struck again.
Upon arrival at the suspect’s home, police discovered he had taken a second victim.
“Upon interviewing the victim, she revealed she was also kidnapped by the same suspect on September 1 at about 10pm and was taken to the same house where she was repeatedly raped,” explained Capt Magudulela.
A second case was opened, and officers worked tirelessly to locate the suspect. Unfortunately, their efforts were in vain.
Despite the stumbling block, police requisitioned the assistance of registered informants and followed up on every possible lead. Reports later revealed the suspect had sought refuge in Johannesburg.
“During the investigation, it was discovered the suspect was also wanted for two other rape cases,” he said.
On September 3, a woman came forward and claimed she was the victim of a similar incident on August 30. She had apparently been kidnapped from Lister Farm and taken to the suspect’s ‘house of horrors’ before being raped three times.
The suspect allegedly left home at 7am the following morning. The victim managed to escape, but failed to report the incident immediately because she was too afraid to leave her home.
“The case is now open and waiting to be registered. It is evident the victims were afraid of the suspect, who is known to be violent,” said Capt Magudulela.
With the help of an informant, police set a trap on September 3. However, the suspect cancelled the meeting before any action could be taken.
Police were unhindered by the drawback and contacted other informants who provided two possible addresses for the suspect.
“The members from FCS went to investigate, using their own private vehicles. They left the vehicles and proceeded on foot towards the suspect’s house,” he said.
At about 9pm, law enforcement officers came across a man in the road. They called out to him and in the blink of an eye, he took off into the night.
They gave chase and quickly caught up with the man, who entered a home nearby. The residential address coincided with the information previously provided by informants.
Police attempted to gain access to the property, but the door was locked. Officers were taken aback when a man, armed with a knife in each hand, flung the door open.
“At this point one of the members identified the person as the suspect,” alleged Capt Magudulela.
Out for blood, the perpetrator approached an officer. Warning shots went off, but Mr Mkhwanazi did not flinch. He instantly redirected his attention to the officer who opened fire.
“The member fired a shot in the suspect’s direction and struck him in the foot.”
The suspect again attempted to flee the scene. Hot on his heels, police found him hiding in the toilet of a home in Section 7.
He emerged with a knife and steel chain as his weapons of choice. Showing no signs of letting up, officers fired several warning shots.
“Eventually the suspect surrendered and was arrested. He was taken to hospital under police guard,” concluded Capt Magudulela.
While investigations continue, the sordid case has made national headlines.
Mr Mkhwanazi will face the above mentioned charges for now. However, it is likely he will be linked to other cases. He is expected to appear before a court in due course.
In the meantime, the victims can rest assured knowing the culprit has finally been brought to the book.
