Police are not ruling out the possibility that a man arrested for rape near the University of Cape Town is behind a spate of other sexual crimes over the past few months.
The 35-year-old was arrested at a hideout on the slopes of Table Mountain this morning.
He has been linked to the rape of a 23-year-old woman near Rhodes Memorial.
The police's Andre Traut says, “The arrested suspect is due to make a court appearance on Monday 14 March. The possibility that he could be linked with similar cases in that area is now part of our investigation.”
UCT Spokesperson Kylie Hatton says police will need all the help they can get.
“Congratulations to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their extraordinary efforts in the early hours of this morning and their work behind the scenes. We will do everything we can to support them in their investigation.”
Hatton says the arrest brings relief to the university community, and the institution’s management is hoping it’s the first step to closing the ordeal.
R100K REWARD
UCT yesterday offered a reward of R100,000 for information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of the Rhodes Memorial attacker.
It follows the rape of yet another student in the vicinity in recent weeks.
A 28-year-old woman was attacked while jogging along the bicycle path near the Princess Anne Drive Bridge on Tuesday evening.
She was raped and held captive for more than 24 hours before managing to flee Wednesday night.
Her attacker then allegedly forced her to walk to the nearest garage, where she managed to break free and call the police.
At least five women have been attacked since November.
Last month, police released the identity of a 44-year-old man wanted in connection with the rape near Rhodes Memorial.
A warrant for Patrick Hlomane, also known as Mthunzi Makhamba, arrest was issued following an attack on a young woman in November.
