DNA breakthrough leads to arrest of suspected serial rapist in the North West after 12-year probe
A 38-year-old man has been arrested after DNA evidence allegedly linked him to multiple rape cases dating back to 2012, police say.
In a significant breakthrough, police in the North West province have arrested a 38-year-old man suspected of being involved in multiple rape cases dating back to 2012, following a 12-year investigation. The suspect, who appeared in Atamelang Magistrates’ Court on Friday, faces charges related to the alleged crimes and has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance on October 5.
The suspect was linked to the cases through DNA evidence and was apprehended in Vryburg on Wednesday, September 23. The first alleged incident occurred in 2012, when a 24-year-old woman was reportedly assaulted while walking home from a tavern in Kanana. Other incidents include a 16-year-old girl who was raped in 2016 and a 20-year-old woman who was raped in 2022, among others.
North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Adams commended the multidisciplinary team involved in the investigation, highlighting the importance of specialized investigative capabilities and cooperation between police units.
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