Wanted 2009 rape suspect arrested after 17 years on the run
The Free State Provincial Tracking Team in the Free State has successfully apprehended a long-sought suspect wanted in connection with a 2009 rape case, following a targeted intelligence-led Operation Shanela II.
On Tuesday night, at approximately 20:30, members of the Provincial Tracking Team acted on credible information regarding the whereabouts of the wanted suspect.
Members tactically approached and arrested 38-year-old Tshediso Emmanuel Makamole in Phase 10, Mangaung, ending his 17 years on the run.
According to police reports the arrest stems from a case reported in Freedom Square in 2009.
It is alleged that Makamole, who was 17 years old at the time, accompanied his 32-year-old next-door neighbour and friends to a local tavern.
While returning home in a bakkie, Makamole pulled over to the side of the road and forced himself on the victim while the other occupants remained in the back of the vehicle.
A patrolling police vehicle approached the scene, causing the occupants to flee and allowing officers to rescue the victim.
A case of rape was registered at the Bloemspruit SAPS, leading to Makamole’s initial arrest.
Makamole subsequently appeared in court and was granted bail. However, he failed to honour his follow-up court dates, prompting the court to issue a warrant for his arrest.
The case was subsequently handed over to the Provincial Tracking and Tracing Team to locate and re-arrest him.
The 38-year-old suspect is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court soon, where he will face charges for the 2009 rape as well as failure to appear in court.
