In a significant breakthrough, the Free State police have arrested a 28-year-old man believed to be behind a series of rapes and burglaries that have haunted the communities of Virginia, Meloding, and Makwane for several years.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The suspect, now in custody, is facing multiple charges, including eight counts of rape, following an extensive investigation,” says Sgt. Mahlomola Kareli, provincial police spokesperson.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Between the period of mid-2018 and late 2022, the Virginia community experienced a series of housebreakings, common robberies, house robberies and thefts, creating a climate of fear. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During this period, eight cases of rape, housebreaking, house robbery and theft were registered in the Virginia\/Meloding area.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n“In 2023, the Forensic Science Laboratory in Pretoria provided a forensic investigative lead, linking an unknown individual to cases in Makwane and Qwaqwa. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dockets were assigned to Const. Mosioua Ntholeng, an investigator attached to the SAPS’ Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) Unit in Bloemfontein.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
“He meticulously re-interviewed the victims, revisited and reconstructed crime scenes and diligently followed up on all information received. This comprehensive approach led to the identification of a 28-year-old from Excelsior as a primary suspect,” says Kareli.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Further investigation revealed that the suspect had a prior arrest record for housebreakings in Virginia, Welkom and Excelsior. He had a proven history of exhibiting a similar modus operandi to the serial rapist. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A buccal sample (a method of collecting DNA from cells on the inside of a person’s cheek, also known as a buccal swab or buccal smear, and relatively non-invasive) was obtained, confirming his identity.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The suspect is facing eight charges of rape, and he has been identified as the suspect in two burglary cases that happened in Virginia in 2023, based on fingerprint evidence.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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