LIMPOPO – A 37-year-old man believed to be behind a series of brutal rapes in Gauteng has been arrested during a joint police operation at a hiding spot in Mentz, outside Mankweng.

According to the Limpopo police, the suspect used the dating app Tinder to lure women to his home in Eersterust, Pretoria, where he allegedly raped his victims.

His most recent crime led to the discovery of a body buried in a shallow grave near his residence.

The Polokwane Review-Observer’s sister publication, the Pretoria Rekord, reports that the woman’s body was discovered by the Eersterust community in an open field.

Her body was found with one hand visible above ground.

Read more: Police investigate murder after body found in Eersterust

The Limpopo police spokesperson, Col Malesela Ledwaba said the arrest was carried out during a multidisciplinary operation involving the Limpopo Tracking Team, Limpopo Provincial Investigation Unit, Silverton Detectives, Tshwane FCS and Tshwane District Detectives between Sunday evening (August 3) and the early hours of yesterday morning (August 4).

“The suspect is currently linked to over ten cases of rape and murder. He is expected to appear in the Pretoria Central Magistrate’s Court on charges including rape, murder and defeating the ends of justice,” his statement read.

Ledwaba also called on any additional victims who may have encountered the suspect to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, the provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has issued a strong warning to the public, especially women, urging them to be cautious when using online dating platforms.

“As we celebrate Women’s Month, we encourage women to prioritise their safety. Avoid meeting strangers in private locations, share your location with trusted contacts and report any suspicious behaviour immediately,” she said.