DNA BREAKTHROUGH LEADS TO ARREST OF SUSPECT LINKED TO MULTIPLE RAPE CASES
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in North West has arrested a suspect believed to be connected to multiple rape cases following an intensive multidisciplinary investigation involving the Investigative Psychology Unit (IPU), Mmabatho Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, and the Provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation (SECI) Unit.
The suspect, aged 38, was apprehended in Vryburg on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, after a thorough investigation that included forensic analysis. The suspect was positively linked through DNA evidence to the cases under investigation.
The investigation was driven by collaboration among the specialised units, which worked together to analyse available evidence, establish connections between cases, and identify the suspect.
In 2012, the victim, then 24 years old, was at a local tavern in Kanana. On her way home, she was approached by an unknown man who dragged her with her clothes to an open space at Vaalpark. He assaulted and raped her.
In 2016, a 16-year-old victim, a minor at the time, claimed she was with her friend when they met an unknown person outside the tavern. He asked her and her friend to accompany him to an ATM.
As it started raining, the suspect broke into a house and forcefully raped her in front of her friend. He chased the friend away and took the victim to a second house to rape her again.
In 2022, the victim, then 20, reported that she was at a local tavern in Huhudi when she received a phone call from her father. She went outside to answer her phone. While she was responding, someone grabbed her phone and ran. She followed the suspect, who took her phone. During the chase, she encountered an unknown man who asked what she was doing in the dark. The suspect took her to a graveside where he raped her.
The suspect is also linked to a 2016 rape case in Meadowlands.
38-year-old Joseph Mokgwetsi, also known as Papi, appeared before the Atamelang Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 25 September 2026, to face charges related to the linked cases. He was remanded in custody until his second court appearance before the same court on Monday, 05 October 2026, for a bail application.
The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, praised the arrest and commended the multidisciplinary team for their dedication and persistence in pursuing cases of Gender Based Violence and Sexual Offences.
Lieutenant General Adams said the successful DNA linkage demonstrates the importance of specialised investigative capabilities and collaboration between units in strengthening investigations and ensuring that suspects are brought before the courts.
“Cases involving sexual offences require thorough, victim-centred investigations. I commend the members involved for their commitment and professionalism in pursuing all leads, which resulted in identifying and arresting the suspect. We will continue to pursue perpetrators of Gender Based Violence and ensure they face justice," said Lieutenant General Adams.