A man wanted in connection with a series of rapes and robberies that terrorized communities across northern KwaZulu-Natal has been arrested after more than a decade on the run.

Police confirmed the arrest of a 36-year-old suspect on Thursday in a forested area near KwaDukuza, where he had allegedly been hiding. He is expected to appear in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

The man is accused of targeting women in KwaDukuza, Mandeni, and Tongaat between 2013 and 2016, often with the help of an accomplice.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo said that the pair allegedly threatened their victims with knives before robbing and raping them.

“Their victims were aged between 15 and 37 years when they were raped,” says Ngcobo

According to a statement released by the police, one of the earliest reported attacks occurred on 28 January 2013, when a 21-year-old woman was raped near a bridge in Darnall. According to police, she was dragged into nearby bushes by two men and assaulted.

Ngcobo said that a case was opened at KwaDukuza SAPS.

“Another woman was walking with her mother-in-law along a sugarcane field on 14 March 2013 when they were accosted by two unknown suspects who raped them,” revealed Ngcobo

She said that the suspect had been on the run for years and was finally tracked down through intelligence-led operations.

The second suspect remains at large, and police have urged anyone with information to come forward.

The arrest has brought a measure of relief to victims and their families, many of whom have waited years for justice.

Authorities say they are committed to ensuring the suspect faces the full might of the law.

IOL News 

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