An alleged sexual predator who has been harassing women via WhatsApp since 2016 is finally behind bars.
The 36-year-old man was arrested by the Gauteng Provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation Unit (SECI) in Gqeberha this week.
Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu says police took on the case three months ago after SECI was approached by a private investigator and a reporter from a mainstream media house to ask for help in tracking down the suspect on behalf of the victims.
She says the unit interviewed 25 victims and established that the suspect used the exact same modus operandi.
Colonel Naidu says it is alleged that the suspect would randomly google the names of estate agents from across the country and as soon as he had their numbers, he would call them and talk "dirty" to them before performing lewd sexual acts while still on the video call.
The suspect was finally arrested in Walmer and his phone confiscated.
Colonel Naidu says he already appeared in court and was remanded in custody until Monday.
He is facing charges of exposing an adult to witness self-masturbation, flashing/indecent exposure and crimen injuria.
The suspect may not be named as he has not pleaded on the charges against him.
Police are urging any other females who may have encountered the same experience and have not reported the matter to contact D/W/O Huligonda Smuts at SAPS Walmer detectives on 082 319 8707 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
