NELSPRUIT – The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has commended a team of detectives from Dirkiesdorp after they arrested and linked a 21-year-old suspect to multiple cases of rape, murder and attempted rape in various areas.

Nhlanhla Mlotshwa / Shabangu will be appearing at Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court today, 09 June 2022 for a formal bail application.

The incidents emanating to the arrest of Mlotshwa / Shabangu are as follows:

On Monday 02 May 2022 at about 08:00, the body of a 28-year-old woman suspected to have been raped was found by the community with multiple stab wounds at Dirkiesdorp. The Police investigation led to the arrest of Nhlanhla Mlotshwa / Shabangu on the same day of the discovery, and he was positively linked to the incident.

Clothes with blood stains were also discovered at his house. He further made confessions and pointed out other crime scenes (Murder and Rapes) where a 16-year-old girl was raped and strangled to death in July 2021 and another where a woman was raped and stabbed to death.

The same suspect is also linked by DNA to other cases in Paulpietersburg of murder and rape, and attempted rape with serious injuries.

Mlotshwa / Shabangu would either follow or attack his victims (suspected to be known to him) during the night then rape, stab, strangle or slit their throats.

DNA analysis are being conducted and the suspect is likely to be linked to more other cases.

The investigation continues and is strongly believed that more charges may be added.

The Provincial Commissioner has applauded the team for a sterling work and leaving no stone unturned in dealing with this matter as well as for their level of commitment and dedication which ensured the suspect is brought to book.

Source: South African Police Service