“Accused serial rapist” to seek bail

The man accused of being the Benoni and Thembisa serial rapist, a 38-year-old security guard employed by PRASA, is set to apply for bail in the Daveyton Magistrate’s Court on May 10. He was arrested on January 22 in Mayfield, Daveyton, after an investigation by the SAPS Benoni and Thembisa Family Violence and Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit (FCS) as reported by Benoni City Times.

According to Lumka Mahanjana, a regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the suspect is alleged to have committed numerous crimes in Benoni, Daveyton, and Thembisa over the course of three years from 2018 until his arrest. The initial charges against him included six counts of rape, but they have since been increased to 44 counts of rape, 43 counts of kidnapping, and 41 counts of pointing a firearm. He also faces an additional 17 charges, which include fraud, obstruction of justice, and forcing someone to witness a sexual act.

The accused allegedly raped 36 women, ranging in age from 14 to 33 years old. The victims were often on their way home or waiting for a taxi when the accused approached them, sometimes using a gun to force them into his vehicle. He would then drive to a desolate area where he would sexually assault them.

The accused’s application for bail has caused concern among some public members, as the severity of the charges and the number of victims make him a significant flight risk. As a result, many are hoping that the court will deny his application, ensuring that he remains behind bars while awaiting trial.

Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA