A 33-year-old, Thapelo Tshukutswane, is expected to make a second appearance before the Molopo Magistrates’ Court in Mmabatho on Tuesday, 17 June 2025, following his first court appearance on Monday, 9 June 2025, before the same court for being in possession of suspected stolen property. The accused is also facing six counts of rape and six counts of robbery after being arrested at Mahikeng Taxi Rank on Friday, 6 June 2025, by a team consisting of the Provincial Investigative Psychology Unit, Mahikeng and Mmabatho Police, including a Reservist.
The arrest was effected following intensive investigations and positive linkages of the suspect with the cases through DNA and fingerprints. The crimes were allegedly committed between December 2013 and May 2025. During the course of investigations, the team discovered suspected stolen property that included cellular phones, police uniform, vehicle rims and a television set, at the suspect’s residence in Lorwaneng village.
Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “It is hoped that the arrest of this suspect will not only bring an end to his long reign of terror, but send a strong message to other perverts like him that no matter how long it may take, the long arm of the law will finally catch up with them. His arrest will surely bring to a close a decade long spree of serious and violent crimes against the women and young girls in the Mahikeng area. While his arrest which came about as a result of the adoption of Forensic DNA investigation by the police is welcomed and appreciated, it is scant consolation to the six female victims whose dignity and lives he has irreversibly and irreparably destroyed.
There is the possibility of linking this suspect to more than the six cases he is being charged for as some of his victims may have been intimidated or been too afraid to report their ordeals to the police. I am therefore calling upon potential victims to come forward so that this perpetrator can fully account for his crimes. I have since instructed that the Detectives must re-analyse all undetected rape, house breaking and robbery cases, especially from the areas that the suspect was prowling in the past 14 years. This perpetrator must never be set free to continue with his heinous crimes.”