Eastern Cape police have arrested a suspected serial rapist and killer who used Facebook to lure his victims to their fate.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Khaya Tonjeni, said that the 28-year-old suspect’s girlfriend (21), was also arrested.
Tonjeni said the arrests were made by members of the SAPS Provincial Organised Crime Unit, assisted by Mthatha Crime Intelligence and a Provincial Hawks team members.
He said the arrests were made between Friday and Saturday in the Ncameni Location and Ngcothi Location respectively, in the area of Qumbu.
Captain Tonjeni said “it is alleged that the suspect invited women on Facebook, posting a fake profile and picture. He will then arrange to meet his victims in Qumbu sending them transport money via money market from two major retail outlets,” he said.
Once the suspect made contact with the victims “he would lure them to Ngcalukeni fields” where he allegedly raped and killed the women.
“It is alleged that the women were strangled with fishing rope and stripped of their clothing,” he said.
“Tonjeni said the suspect faces three charges of murder and four charges of rape. His girlfriend was charged with being in the possession of suspected stolen property.
He said the victims were from Alice, Duncan Village in East London, Mthatha., Tabankulu and Mount Fletcher.
“During the operation, the team recovered cellphones belonging to the victims as well as SIM cards, bags, and clothing. The estimated value of the recovered items is R50 000,” said Tonjeni.
The two will appear in the Mthatha Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 6 November 2017.
