DNA ends alleged serial rapist’s 16-year spree

A 36-year-old Free State man accused of terrorising women in QwaQwa for 16 years has finally been linked to 16 rape cases through DNA evidence, bringing a breakthrough in investigations dating back to 2008.

James Juta Molakeng, from Mangaung, was arrested after forensic evidence connected him to a rape case before further DNA analysis allegedly linked him to 15 other attacks committed over the years.

The cases, which span from 2008 to 2024, involved women who were allegedly attacked at different locations, including open spaces near graveyards and inside their homes.

According to police spokesperson W/O Mmako Mophiring, Molakeng allegedly targeted women who were walking alone, with some victims attacked while making their way home from local taverns.

“In two of the 15 earlier cases, the suspect allegedly committed house robberies before raping the victims inside their homes.”

One of the cases that led to his arrest was reported in Makwane village, where a woman was allegedly raped while returning home from a tavern.

Mophiring said the breakthrough came after investigators from the Phuthaditjhaba Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit pursued DNA evidence obtained during the investigation of the latest case.

He said forensic results positively identified Molakeng as the alleged perpetrator, prompting further analysis that connected him to 15 additional rape cases.

He said the earlier attacks were reported in different locations, including Thaba-Bosiu and Namahadi villages, where women were allegedly raped in open spaces near graveyards.

Police said the similarities in the cases helped investigators establish a pattern, with the suspect allegedly preying on women who were alone.

Molakeng was arrested on August 27 and has remained behind bars since then.

He appeared in the Phuthaditjhaba magistrate’s court on Friday where his case was postponed to January 9 2027 for a high court date.