A 28-year-old man accused of multiple rapes, including attacks on scholars in Nkandla, has been rearrested after escaping from police custody last week. The suspect, considered a high-priority target due to the serious nature and pattern of his alleged crimes, was apprehended in Umbilo on Thursday, May 22.
According to KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the suspect was initially arrested in Mariannhill on Monday, May 20, on multiple rape charges. However, he managed to escape from custody later that same day, triggering a province-wide manhunt.
Following an intensive search, law enforcement tracked him down at a hostel in Umbilo, where he was arrested in the early hours of Thursday morning.
The suspect is accused of preying on learners who live in school cottages in Nkandla, and is facing several rape charges linked to those incidents. His reappearance in court was scheduled for Thursday at the Pinetown Magistrates’ Court, where he faces an additional charge of escaping lawful custody. After court proceedings in Pinetown, he is expected to be transferred to Ekhombe, where he will answer to the outstanding rape allegations.
Colonel Netshiunda commended the investigating officers for their relentless efforts in recapturing the fugitive. “This arrest is a result of determined and coordinated police work. The suspect will now face the full might of the law,” he said.
While police have not yet released details on how the escape occurred, they confirmed that an internal investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the breach in custody.