Free State Police Arrest Rape Suspect After Nearly Five Years on the Run
- Tseko Moses Khumalo was arrested on 4 September 2026, nearly five years after a woman was allegedly attacked in Bloemfontein
- The Free State Operation Shanela II Provincial Tracking team tracked Khumalo to a hiding place in W-Section, Botshabelo
- Khumalo appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court on 7 September and is expected back before the court on 14 September
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Source: Getty Images
FREE STATE — A man wanted for an alleged rape committed in Bloemfontein in 2021 has been apprehended after spending close to five years evading police, the South African Police Service has confirmed.
Tseko Moses Khumalo was taken into custody on 4 September 2026 by the Free State Operation Shanela II Provincial Tracking team, following a tip-off about his location.
The alleged attack in Bloemfontein
According to police, the incident occurred in the early hours of 10 October 2021. A 30-year-old woman had left a tavern and was walking along Meadows Road in Bloemfontein when Khumalo allegedly ambushed her. He reportedly threatened her with a sword before dragging her to a nearby RDP house, where she was allegedly raped multiple times before being released at daybreak.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
A rape case was opened at Bloemspruit Police Station shortly afterwards, and a search for the suspect began.
Tracking team closes in after years of leads
An arrest warrant was formally issued for Khumalo on 2 June 2026, nearly five years after the alleged attack. In the intervening period, the Provincial Tracking team continued working the case, making repeated visits to his known residential address in Bergman Square.
Officers eventually received information indicating that Khumalo had been hiding in W-Section in Botshabelo, east of Bloemfontein. He was located and arrested at that address on 4 September and held at Bloemspruit Police Station.
Khumalo appeared before the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court on Monday, 7 September, and is due to return to court on 14 September 2026.
SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane said the arrest sent a clear message to those who believed they could escape prosecution.
"There is no hiding place for criminals; you can run, but the long arm of the law will always find you, and justice will prevail," he said.
Serial rapist arested after 17-year crime spree
Briefly News also reported that a team of specialised officers finally arrested the alleged Soweto serial rapist, whose crime spree lasted 17 years. The 41-year-old was positively linked to 35 rape cases. The 17-year crime spree came to an end after DNA evidence linked him to the crimes. DNA samples were obtained from him after he was arrested in 2020 for attempted murder. He was finally arrested in the second week of September 2025 at his home in Diepkloof, Soweto, in connection with a series of serious crimes.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
