QWAQWA — An alleged serial rapist accused of terrorising women for 16 years will spend Christmas behind bars.
James Juta Molakeng, 36, from Manguang village, appeared briefly at the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 7 November, and was remanded in custody until 8 January 2027.
He is facing 16 counts of rape, allegedly committed between 2008 and 2024.
Molakeng was arrested on 27 August after positive DNA results linked him to a rape case under investigation.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring said 15 victims were allegedly raped at different locations, including open spaces near graveyards in Thaba-Bosiu and Namahadi villages.
“Other victims were allegedly attacked while walking home from local taverns or inside their homes, whereas the 16th case was reported at Makwane Village, where a woman was allegedly raped while returning home from a tavern,” said Mophiring.
Investigations revealed a similar pattern — the suspect allegedly targeted women walking alone. In two of the earlier cases, he allegedly committed house robberies before raping the victims inside their homes.
The case has been postponed for a High Court date.
