Serial rapists in the dock
The man could be linked to at least 16 cases of rape in the area
THE trial of Sandile Welcome Xulu (23), Empangeni’s ‘Satanic’ serial rapist is due to get underway today (Monday) in the Mtubatuba High Court.
Xulu and his accomplices Innocent Mthembu (25) and Zinhle Mkungo (29), with whom he has a child, are accused of being behind the rape of at least five women between March and May last year.
Three charges of rape have been levelled against him but DNA results could link two more.
They were arrested during an intelligence driven operation coordinated by the Empangeni Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit.
Xulu was in June 2015 denied bail owing to the seriousness of the charges against him, while Mthembu and Mkhungo, who are charged with possession of suspected stolen property and assisting another to commit a sexual offence, were both released on bail.
Meanwhile the Mtunzini Regional Court will on 24 November hear shocking details after the arrest of ‘The Stocking Rapist’ who for years has plagued the community of KwaNdaye Reserve near Esikhaleni.
His modus operandi involved kicking down doors in the early hours of the morning and dragging his victims, half-asleep and terrified, into the bushes before raping them.
He would always have a stocking over his head, obscuring his identity.
The Empangeni FCS unit believes the man could be linked to at least 16 cases of rape in the area.
Grab your copy of the ZO Weekender edition to read more about the story behind his arrest.
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