A suspected serial rapist accused of attacking at least 14 women across KwaZulu‑Natal and Gauteng has been returned to police custody after allegedly absconding from court more than 16 years ago, police said.
Arrest in Nongoma ends long search
The 36‑year‑old man was arrested in Nongoma on Sunday in connection with a series of rape cases police say date back to 2010. According to police, the suspect was first arrested in 2010 after a rape in Mahlabathini, was released on bail and later allegedly fled from court.
Police said DNA evidence collected during the initial investigation has since linked him to other incidents.
At the same time, law enforcement announced the arrest last week of another man in KwaZulu‑Natal who is accused of a separate series of attacks. Police believe the second suspect, aged 46, is behind a string of assaults on at least 16 women in the province dating back to 2014.
Patterns described by investigators
Police described similar patterns in the alleged offending: the suspects reportedly targeted women who were alone, breaking into homes and threatening victims with a knife in some incidents. In other cases, investigators said an attacker would follow women home from taverns before assaulting and robbing them.
Investigators also said one suspect disguised his face with pantyhose, making identification by victims difficult, but that DNA analysis has helped link the accused men to multiple scenes.
"DNA evidence collected during that initial investigation has since linked him to the other cases," police said.
Court processes and next steps
The 36‑year‑old arrested in Nongoma is now in police custody as investigators prepare to bring charges. The second suspect is due to appear in the Durban Magistrates’ Court, police said. Court appearances and further procedural details were not disclosed in full by police at the time of the announcement.
Police emphasised that investigations remain ongoing and that further charges may follow as detectives review the evidence gathered in multiple investigations.
- 36‑year‑old suspect: Arrested in Nongoma; alleged offences linked to cases from 2010 onward; first arrested in Mahlabathini in 2010 and later released on bail.
- 46‑year‑old suspect: Arrested in KZN last week; alleged to have attacked at least 16 women between 2014 and 2025, including 14 in Cato Manor.
- Evidence: Police said DNA analysis was instrumental in linking the suspects to multiple incidents.
Data at a glance
| Detail | 36‑year‑old suspect | 46‑year‑old suspect |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest location | Nongoma | KZN (arrest last week) |
| Alleged period of offences | From 2010 | 2014–2025 |
| Number of victims linked | At least 14 (across KZN and Gauteng) | At least 16 (including 14 in Cato Manor) |
These arrests come amid growing use of DNA and other forensic tools in investigations of sexual offences. Police said the evidence gathered over time was central to connecting the cases and identifying suspects who had previously evaded justice.
Impact on communities
Communities in areas named in the investigations — including Cato Manor, Mahlabathini, Plessislaer and Taylor’s Halt — have long been affected by fear and trauma surrounding these attacks. The arrests are likely to bring relief to some victims and residents, but police warned that the investigative process and subsequent court cases may take time.
Victims of sexual violence are encouraged to report incidents to the police so that evidence can be gathered and preserved. Police have reiterated that specialised investigators and forensic resources are essential to building cases that can withstand scrutiny in court.
Further details about the arrests, charges and upcoming court dates will be released by police as investigations proceed and cases are formally enrolled in court.
Reporting from KwaZulu‑Natal.
