DURBAN – A man (46) suspected of raping 16 women over more than a decade has been arrested in Durban following an intensive investigation by specialised police units.

The suspect was arrested on Thursday, 17 September 2026, after investigators from the Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation (SECI), Investigative Psychology Unit (IPU) and Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit worked to link a number of cases.

Police said the suspect allegedly began his spree in 2014, with 14 women in Cato Manor, one in Plessislaer and one in Taylor’s Halt attacked between 2014 and 2025.

DNA helps investigators connect cases

According to police, the suspect operated mainly at night and targeted women of different ages.

Police allege that in several cases he followed women from taverns to their homes, where he raped and robbed them.

In other cases, he broke into homes and attacked women who were staying alone, using a knife to threaten them.

Police said the victims struggled to identify the suspect because he concealed his face by wearing pantyhose during the attacks.

However, detectives and investigators from the specialised units were able to identify similarities between the cases and establish a modus operandi.

“Police detectives and investigators from the specialised units connected the dots, established a modus operandi, and linked the suspect through DNA,” police said in a statement.

The investigation ultimately led to the suspect’s arrest.

Suspect due in court

The suspect is expected to appear in the Durban Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 21 September.

He faces multiple charges, including rape, housebreaking and attempted murder.

Police said the investigation formed part of ongoing efforts by specialised units to investigate serious sexual offences and identify links between cases.

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