A 30-year-old man appeared at the Evander Magistrate’s Court today, after he was remanded in custody yesterday, 14 January 2019, facing three counts of murder, three counts of rape, three of kidnapping and one count of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The suspect, who had been terrorising the community of Embalenhle since 2016 subjecting them to live in fear, was arrested on Friday, 11 January 2019, during an integrated operation comprising of members of the South African Police Service, the Department of Health and National Prosecuting Authority.
The suspect has been linked through forensic investigation to several contact crimes involving young girls aged between 11 and 16. According to information at police disposal, the villain would allegedly ambush his victims, drag them to nearby bushes at knife point where he would then carry out these heinous acts, then dump the bodies of the victims on the streets.
All the bodies were recovered not far from each other and two of the victims are from the same family. As the investigation continues, more charges are likely to be added on him.
The Provincial Commissioner of Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma praised the team for a job well done in bringing to book and removing from “circulation” another dangerous suspect, saying they now needed to ensure that he is found guilty by a court of law. The General also cautioned parents to always know and ensure the safety of their children.
The suspect was remanded in custody and the case postponed to, 22 January 2019, for a formal bail application.