Suspected serial rapist arrested after allegedly targeting 14 women in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng

A 36-year-old man suspected of raping 14 women in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng has been arrested after police linked him to the cases through DNA evidence.

Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit detectives in Ulundi arrested the suspect on Sunday, 20 September 2026, in the Ncotshane area of Nongoma.

According to police, the suspect allegedly committed his first rape in Mahlabathini in January 2010. He was arrested at the time and released on bail but allegedly absconded from court, resulting in a warrant being issued for his arrest.

While out on bail, he allegedly raped seven women in Pongola, four women in Primrose and Germiston in Gauteng, and one woman each in Paulpietersburg and Magudu.

Police said the suspect allegedly targeted women who were staying alone, breaking a window or door to gain entry before threatening them with a knife.

Investigators collected evidence during his 2010 arrest, and subsequent DNA analysis allegedly linked him to the 14 rape cases.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Mahlabathini Magistrate’s Court for failing to appear in court in 2010. He will thereafter face formal charges relating to the other 13 rape cases.