Rapist targets pregnant women

2007-04-20 17:24

Nkosana ka Makaula

Nelspruit - A suspected rapist who is believed to target pregnant woman, has also been charged with stabbing his brother.

The 27-year-old suspect from KaNyamazane near Nelspruit in Mpumalanga, was arrested on Monday after a woman who was nine months pregnant was raped on April 7.

The suspect reportedly stabbed his brother the next day during an argument, and then fled to Mathulapata in Dwarsloop, Bushbuckridge.

The suspect appeared in KaNyamazane magistrate's court on Thursday.

He was not asked to plead to a charge of rape and one of assault with intention to cause grievous bodily harm.

The case was postponed to May 16 and he's been taken into custody.

KaNyamazane police had asked the Bushbuckridge police to keep an eye out for him after the woman's rape.

He was caught on Monday and handed over to the police at KaNyamazane on Tuesday.

Tied with rope

Constable Chicco Nkosi said police were investigating whether the suspect was linked to the rape of four other pregnant women.

"We cannot rule out the possibility that this same suspect is responsible for four other rapes of pregnant women," he said.

The latest victim was approached while sweeping her yard.

The attacker demanded money. When she said she had none, she was forced into the house at knifepoint.

Her hands and feet were tied with rope and she was raped.

Three hi-fi speakers were stolen.

Nkosi urged any other women who believe they may have been raped by the suspect to come forward.

- African Eye