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.
“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.
History of violent acts
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.
During this period, eight cases of rape, housebreaking, house robbery and theft were registered in the Virginia/Meloding area.
“In 2023, the Forensic Science Laboratory in Pretoria provided a forensic investigative lead, linking an unknown individual to cases in Makwane and Qwaqwa.
The dockets were assigned to Const. Mosioua Ntholeng, an investigator attached to the SAPS’ Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) Unit in Bloemfontein.”
“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.
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.
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.
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.