Media Statement from North West Media Centre

Corporate Communication

South African Police Service

3 October 2013

Police in Brits have  re- arrested an alleged serial rapist, Jacob Kgatlhane, (32) on Friday, 1 November 2013 for allegedly escaping from  lawful custody on 17 September 2013.

It is alleged that the accused was initially arrested on 13 August 2013 on 13 charges of rape committed in the areas of Letlhabile, Limpopo and Lethabong near Brits, which were committed between 2009 and 2012. The alleged victims were between 14 and 17 years. Some of the victims were raped and robbed of their belongings when they were on their way to school.

According to the information, the suspect escaped from the police van when he was transported from court to the cells after his appearance. It is alleged that the suspect kicked open the backdoor of the police vehicle at the robots in Letlhabile. The police tried to chase after the suspect and he managed to escape. The accused was at large until he was re-arrested on 1 November 2013 at about 23:00.

The accused has been hiding at the nearby bushes at Zone 6 in Letlhabile Township and was arrested as a result of community participation who assisted the police in tracing him. Information has it that the suspect was frequently visiting a shack in zone 10 for food and refreshing.

After the suspect was arrested, police had to ensure that the relevant and the right person were arrested. This had to be done through confirmation of his fingerprints and other relevant information. Reports that came on Saturday, 2 November 2013 confirmed positively that Jacob Kgatlhane was the positive suspect that the police were looking for.

He will appear in the Brits Magistrate's Court on Monday, 3 November 2013 on charges of Escaping from Lawful custody.

The police would like to thank the community and the media houses that assisted in the tracing and re arrest of this dangerous accused rapist. Partnership policing is the key in solving crime in our community.

For Media enquiries contact:

Brigadier Thulani Ngubane

NW SAPS Provincial Spokesperson      

082 372 4511