Alleged Social Media Predator Shot Dead After Eastern Cape Rape Ordeal

An alleged social media predator was shot dead by police in the Mbutho locality in the Eastern Cape after reportedly luring a 24-year-old woman under the pretence of a romantic relationship.

The 33-year-old suspect was fatally wounded on Friday when police responded to a reported abduction. Officers were alerted after the victim managed to contact her relatives following an alleged sexual assault.

Eastern Cape police confirmed that the incident unfolded as part of an active investigation into a kidnapping complaint.

Victim Allegedly Lured On Social Media Before Brutal Attack

Eastern Cape police spokesperson Captain Welile Matyolo said officers from Tsolo acted after receiving a report involving a young woman from Libode.

“An officer received a case of abduction whereby a 24-year-old female victim from Libode alleged that she was lured by the suspect into a love affair through social media and both met in Mthatha on Thursday, 15 January 2026 and proceeded to Tsolo in a taxi.

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“On their way to Mbutho locality on foot, the male suspect threatened the victim with a knife and raped her in an open field. On arrival at Mbutho locality, the suspect raped the woman, and she managed to report telephonically to her relatives,” Matyolo said.

Police were subsequently alerted and rushed to the scene.

“On their arrival, the suspect charged at the police with a knife and was shot at and succumbed to his injuries,” Matyolo added.

Link Probed Between Suspect And Missing Women Murders

During the preliminary investigation, police uncovered possible links between the suspect and several unresolved cases.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that three women aged between 25 and 29 years were reported as missing at Tsolo police station from 24 December 2025 till 15 January 2026 and were all found dead in an open field.

“Police are busy establishing the link between their deaths and the suspect through the suspect’s cellphone records. He had contacted the three deceased victims before their deaths,” Matyolo said.

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An inquest docket has been opened, with charges including rape, abduction, resisting arrest and attack on police. The investigation has been referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).

OR Tambo District Police Commissioner Major General Norman Modishana has urged the public to be vigilant when using online platforms.

“He is sending a warning to everyone to be extra careful when dealing with social networks, as people are often scammed and fall prey to those scams. He urged the Investigating teams to identify any direct linkages between the deceased victims and the suspect to ensure closure to all affected families.”

Investigations are continuing.

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