A man suspected of being the Johannesburg serial rapist and his alleged accomplice are set to appear at the Booysens Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Police say the man is linked to at least eight cases of rape believed to have taken place across Johannesburg, Midrand, and Germiston. His name cannot be released until charges are formally registered in court.
According to police reports, the suspect allegedly worked with a group that pretended to be e-hailing service drivers to lure women.
Some victims were reportedly approached online, where the suspect posed as a potential romantic partner and promised marriage. Once the victims agreed to meet him, they were allegedly kidnapped, robbed, and sexually assaulted.
Authorities believe the attacks form part of a wider criminal syndicate that has been targeting women in different parts of Gauteng.
Law enforcement officials say the investigation has been ongoing for several months, with officers from various units tracing the suspect’s movements and collecting witness statements.
According to sources, the victims, mostly women aged between 25 and 35, were tricked through dating platforms.
In several instances, the suspect reportedly gained their trust before arranging meetings in secluded areas.
Victims allege that when they arrived, the suspect and his associates would hold them at knifepoint, take their belongings, and then assault them.
The Booysens Magistrate’s Court, located in southern Johannesburg, is expected to hear the formal charges, which include rape, kidnapping, and robbery. Until then, the suspect remains in police custody.
The suspect and his accomplice are scheduled to appear before the magistrate on Friday morning, where the court will decide whether to grant bail.
Prosecutors are expected to request that the suspect remain behind bars while investigations continue, given the seriousness of the offences and the number of cases linked to him.
