LIMPOPO – A 32-year-old foreign national accused of a series of violent house robberies and rapes across Limpopo is due to appear in the Giyani Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 22 September, facing 66 charges.
The accused is linked to a series of violent crimes committed against women in the Mopani and Vhembe districts between 2014 and 2020.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the accused allegedly targeted women-headed households, breaking into homes before attacking victims with a sharp object, raping them and stealing their belongings.
The alleged victims ranged in age up to 74.
Police said the accused was positively linked to the crimes through forensic evidence following a lengthy investigation by the Provincial Investigation Unit.
He was initially arrested in 2020 but allegedly escaped from lawful custody. He was rearrested in 2022 and has remained in custody since then.
Police said the accused has, on occasion, used different names in an apparent attempt to evade identification.
66 charges on the indictment
The investigation has resulted in 66 charges being enrolled on the indictment for trial in the Thohoyandou High Court.
The trial is scheduled to resume on 25 January 2027.
The charges include:
- 17 counts of rape
- 16 counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances
- 35 counts of housebreaking and burglary
- Three counts of attempted murder
- Three counts of murder
- One count of escaping from lawful custody
A further seven cases currently before a separate court are being joined to the indictment and are expected to be consolidated.
Police welcome progress
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers welcomed the progress in the investigation.
“This case reflects years of patient, dedicated investigative work by our detectives to hold this individual accountable for a prolonged campaign of terror against women in our communities,” Scheepers said.
“No woman should ever have to live in fear in her own home.
“We will continue to pursue this matter to its full conclusion in court, and we call on communities to continue working with police to keep our women and children safe.”
The accused remains in custody and is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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