A 37-year-old Malawian man alleged to be a serial rapist appeared in the Alberton Magistrate’s Court on Monday, Gauteng police said.
Superintendent Lungelo Dlamini said the man was charged with rape and robbery involving more than 10 victims in the Ekurhuleni area.
He had his case postponed to May 28 for further investigation.
Police believed more victims from Katlehong, Eden Park, Vosloorus and surrounding areas might not have reported cases but had been treated at local hospitals after they had been attacked by the suspect, Dlamini said on Sunday.
The man — whose identity can only be revealed after an identity parade has been conducted — was arrested on Thursday last week in Katlehong after several months of investigation.
He had been linked to several cases dating back as far as 2003.
The suspect would approach his victims and offer them a job at a pharmacy or supermarket in Brackendowns.
”After the victim agreed to the offer, he would inform her that he was going to confirm with the prospective employer and would call her later.”
The accused would then call later and fetch his victim, and they would use a taxi, train or hike.
After alighting from the transport used, the suspect would convince the victim to use a shortcut.
”He would in turn become aggressive and rape his victim in a secluded spot,” Dlamini said.
Most of the victims were raped while tied with their hands behind their back and also robbed of cellphones, cash and other items.
Those who resisted were assaulted. — Sapa