A pastor from one of the Apostolic Faith Church International churches who also served as a community police member has been arrested in connection with the rape and murder of four women, whose bodies were allegedly dumped at Mfabantfu.
The incidents, which occurred on various occasions, have sent shockwaves through the community already grappling with a recent spate of sexual offences.
Sources close to the investigation claim the suspect would lure victims through Facebook or by purchasing their services as sex workers. He allegedly convinced them to spend time with him before forcing himself on them, murdering them and later disposing of their bodies.
According to Mfabantfu community police member Mfanimpela Shaya, the suspect had previously been arrested on rape charges and had served his full term in correctional facilities. Upon his return, he appeared to show signs of reform.
He became actively engaged in community service, including duties as a community police officer, and took on church work as a preacher. He was also awaiting ordination.
The breakthrough in the current case reportedly came after Shaya received a call from local residents who had seen the suspect linked to the crimes on a social media platform.
Police subsequently visited the man for questioning. It is understood that following his detention, he returned to Mfabantfu and showed officers the locations where he had allegedly dumped the women.
Deputy Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Nosipho Mguni confirmed that a man was arrested yesterday afternoon at Mfabantfu in connection with the rape and murder cases.
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“Investigations are still ongoing,” she said.
This latest development comes amid heightened concerns over gender-based violence (GBV) in the region.
Just weeks ago, the National Commissioner of Police Vusi Manoma Masango revealed that investigators had linked 11 rape cases to another alleged serial offender from Mfabantfu, 24-year-old Celumusa Maletsi Mthunzi.
Masango made the disclosure as authorities highlighted broader efforts to combat sexual offences, even as national GBV figures painted a sobering picture of nearly 2 000 reported cases and dozens of related murders in a recent three-month period.
