Serial rape suspect’s court appearance comes after five-year investigation

Looking calm and clean-shaven‚ a man linked by forensics to 23 cases of rape after a police investigation spanning five years made his first court appearance on Wednesday. The 33-year-old man‚ who cannot be named until he enters a plea‚ allegedly committed the crimes over an extended period in Delft and Khayelitsha‚ Cape Town. "The modus operandi that the suspect would follow is to approach his victims and threaten them. He would then rob them of jewellery and money. The victims were between the ages of 18 and 28 years. Seven victims have been traced thus far‚" said police spokesperson Constable Noloyiso Rwexana. His arrest follows the tragic death of four innocent men in vigilante attacks‚ after residents wrongfully accused them of being involved in the rapes. "The suspect was arrested (this week) in the Epping Industrial area‚ after the Family Violence‚ Child Protection and Sexual Offences provincial task team had conducted extensive investigations over a period of five years‚" he said in a statement. He appeared briefly‚ wearing blue jeans and a T-shirt‚ in the Bellville Magistrates’ Court. He elected to be represented by Legal Aid after magistrate Ronald Rieckerts warned him about the seriousness of the charges. The case was adjourned to May 18 for further investigation and information to be gathered ahead of a possible bail hearing. Rwexana said: "Two people had previously been questioned by police after allegations by the community that they were involved in the crimes committed. However‚ they could not be linked to the crimes and they were subsequently released by police. “It is tragic that the community took the law in their own hands and killed them‚ as well as two more men who were wrongfully accused of having committed rape in the area. It is now proven that all four these deceased were not involved in the crimes as alleged by the community." National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said the state would wait for further information before deciding whether or not to oppose bail. Ntabazalila said‚ however‚ that the man faced very serious charges which could preclude him from getting bail. "That is all we can divulge for now‚"' said Ntabazalila. "The investigation is still continuing but we believe that there is a case to be answered‚" he said.