Bail refused for serial rapist suspect

September 23, 2013 kwevoel

THABAZIMBI – A 33 year old serial rapist suspect, who was arrested on 22 August, applied for bail on Thursday 12 September in the Thabazimbi Magistrate’s court.

He was arrested after members of the Thabazimbi Family Violence and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit tracked him down to his residence in Secunda. The investigating officer, Warrant Officer SS Temane as well as W/O C Myburgh from the FCS unit were also present at the court hearing.

Boas Jacob Kgatlhane allegedly preyed on teenage girls aged between 14 and 17 when they were walking alone. He would overpower, drag them into the bushes and rape them. This has been happening since 2009 and not only in the Thabazimbi and Mecklenburg areas of Limpopo, but also at Letlabile in the Brits area of Northwest. Thus far, Kgatlhane has been linked to thirteen cases of rape, three at Thabazimbi, two at Lethabong, seven at Letlabile in Northwest and one at Mecklenburg.

Magistrate Maribana refused bail, stating Kgatlhane is a risk for the community. Kgatlhane will be held in custody in Brits until his next court appearance on 17 September, where he will be facing three charges of rape. His next court appearance in Thabazimbi is on 21 October. Members of the ANC Womens League as well as women from the community joined hands to protest against Kgatlhane’s bail application.

Kwêvoël Newsroom: Estie Taljaard estie@kwevoel.co.za