Johannesburg - Gauteng Police are on the hunt for two serial rapists who have been terrorising women and children in the province.
Major General Norman Taioe, the head of detectives in the province, said police were searching for a serial rapist operating in Gauteng and the North West provinces. The man has been targeting girls between the ages of 11 and 18.
According to Taioe, the man, who is between 20 and 30 years of age, gets his victims into his car by force, by pointing a firearm at them. He then blindfolds the victim and rapes them. All the crimes occurred on Sundays between 10am and 1pm.
The second serial rapist is believed to be responsible for 15 rapes in Randburg, Alexandra, Wierdabrug and Douglasdale. Taioe identified the suspect as the son of taxi driver who has already been arrested along with another suspect. The cases against them are pending.
"The suspects would pick up unsuspecting female passengers and drive to Olievenhoutbosch in the open veld where they would rape and rob the victims of their belongings," he said.
Despite having solved 12 serial rape cases committed between 1999 and 2010 and the cases pending in court, Taioe said police were concerned with the number of crimes being committed against women and children, especially as the 16 Days of Activism of No Violence Against Women and Children campaign is in full swing.
He appealed to communities to show their support for the campaign by helping authorities identify and track down the serial rapists police have in their sights.
The number of crimes against women and children in Gauteng was particularly worrying, Taioe added.
"Having 12 cases involving serial rapists in court is a very unhealthy situation. We are concerned and want to share these concerns with the community and also ask for their help," he said.
Taioe said police had also taken action against their own, with at least three SAPS members facing rape charges.
