DURBAN: A man allegedly linked to 16 rape cases appeared in the Durban Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning, with KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli in attendance as the province took a firm stand against the scourge of rape.
The 46-year-old suspect faces multiple charges, including rape, housebreaking and attempted murder, following a lengthy police investigation into alleged attacks dating back to 2014.
According to police, the suspect is allegedly linked to 16 cases involving women in and around Durban, including Cato Manor, Plessislaer and Taylor’s Halt.
DNA evidence allegedly played a key role in linking the suspect to the cases after an investigation involving specialist police units, including the Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation Unit and the Investigative Psychology Unit.
Police allege that the suspect targeted women at night, with some allegedly followed from taverns to their homes before being attacked.
In other cases, he is alleged to have broken into homes where women were staying alone and attacked them at knifepoint.
Police further allege that the suspect concealed his face with pantyhose during some of the attacks.
Ntuli attended the accused’s first appearance and said the provincial leadership was firmly opposed to rape and gender-based violence.
“As the leadership of this province, we are against the scourge of rape,” said Ntuli.
The Premier’s appearance comes as pressure mounts for stronger action against perpetrators of gender-based violence and for serious sexual offences to be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
The case will now proceed through the courts.
The accused has not been convicted and remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
