‘Top 50’ most wanted suspect finally arrested – linked to horrific N4 spiking rape

In one of the cases, Sithole and two other suspects placed rocks in the road. When couple’s car overturned they took turns raping a woman.

Sep 15, 2022 - 18:16
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‘Top 50’ most wanted suspect finally arrested – linked to horrific N4 spiking rape

One of the ‘Top 50 most wanted suspects’ in North West, Chris Sithole, was finally arrested by Limpopo police. Sithole, who also calls himself Leon Nkomo, was handed to the North West Provincial Tracking Team on Tuesday, 13 September, and will face seven separate cases rape, three robberies and one case of housebreaking and theft, in Brits.

‘MOST WANTED’ SUSPECT BEFORE COURT

Sithole’s alleged crime spree in Brits lasted from January 2012 until February 2021, said South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone.

“In one of the cases, the accused allegedly raped a woman in May 2012. A couple was travelling in their vehicle when they saw stones placed on the N4 road in the vicinity of Bokfontein, near Brits,” said Mokgwabone.

The husband tried to bring the vehicle to a halt but it overturned immediately after the couple heard the sound of bursting tyres.

The suspects removed the couple from the wreck and three men allegedly took turns raping the woman.

Sithole is also linked to a housebreaking committed in February 2021. He allegedly stole clothes and electricial appliances worth R20 500.

The accused made his first court appearance in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 14 September and was remanded in custody. His next court date is on Friday, 7 October.

North West police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Sello Kwena, said the suspect’s arrest sent a message that criminals will eventually be caught and brought to book. “He also applauded the police in both provinces for their collaboration that resulted in the arrest,” said Mokgwabone.

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