Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has urged women to be cautious when using dating platforms following the arrest of a man linked to multiple rape and murder cases.
A 37-year-old suspect was arrested during a coordinated police operation between Sunday evening, 3 August, and the early hours of Monday, 4 August 2025. He was found hiding in Mentz village, under the Mankweng policing area in Limpopo.
The man is accused of using the dating app Tinder to lure women to his home in Eesterust, Pretoria. According to police, he raped several victims and, in a recent case, raped and murdered a woman before burying her body in a shallow grave on his property.
The arrest was made possible by the combined efforts of the Limpopo Tracking Team, Provincial Investigation Unit, Silverton Detectives, Tshwane FCS, and Tshwane District Detectives. Investigators believe the suspect is connected to more than ten cases reported in the Eesterust area.
“This case is a disturbing reminder of the dangers that can come with online dating,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe. “We urge all women to be extra vigilant and to report suspicious behaviour.”
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