Man Arrested for Luring Women With Fake Facebook Profile and Repeatedly Raping Victim in Limpopo

A 24-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly using a fake Facebook account to lure women from Gauteng to Limpopo with false promises of job opportunities — only to kidnap, rape, and extort them once they were in his control.

The arrest was made on Monday after a concerned friend of a female victim alerted the police, triggering a rapid response that ultimately saved her life.

Lured, Kidnapped and Trapped

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the suspect had posed online as “Jeff Rals” using another man’s photos and identity. After connecting with victims via Facebook, he allegedly offered them fake job opportunities in Limpopo.

Sourced: The Citizen

In this most recent case, the victim travelled from Gauteng to meet the man she believed was her potential employer. Upon meeting him in Pretoria, she immediately suspected something was off — the man didn’t resemble the photos he had posted online. The suspect told her that he was Jeff’s brother and had been sent to fetch her.

Instead of taking her to a job interview, the man drove her to Limpopo, where he repeatedly raped her at his home and demanded money.

Quick-Thinking Friend Saves Victim

Thanks to her male friend, who realised something was wrong, police were quickly alerted. Limpopo Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe mobilised a search team that located the suspect and victim just five hours later at a petrol station in Giyani. The man had run out of fuel and didn’t have money to fill up his car.

“The young woman is in the process of being reunited with her family,” Mathe said. “The suspect remains in custody and will face charges of kidnapping and rape.”

Sourced : The Citizen

Caution Urged on Online Dating Scams

Police warn the public to be extra vigilant when using online dating platforms and social media. Scammers often build fake relationships and trust before luring victims into dangerous situations.

“Once trust is gained, scammers may ask for money or a meetup that ends in kidnapping — as in this tragic case,” said Mathe.

Authorities believe more victims may have fallen for this Facebook scam and are urging anyone who had similar encounters to come forward.

Police Commended for Swift Action

The Limpopo police team, under the leadership of Lieutenant General Hadebe, has been praised for its quick and coordinated response, which likely saved the victim’s life.

{Source: The Citizen}

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