The South African Police Service has arrested the man known as the “Facebook Rapist”, after identifying him based on his profile picture.
The man, using the alias “Thomas Kelly Bester” on one of several Facebook profiles, was arrested in connection with more than 30 cases of rape, kidnapping, murder and theft, police spokesman Colonel Vishnu Naidoo says.
“Bester's real name is currently unknown and the police are trying to determine who he is. He is believed to have at least 10 different aliases and is alleged to have committed crimes in KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape and Gauteng,“ says Naidoo.
Other aliases included: Marius Botes, Tom Bester, Thabo Tom Bester, Thabo Magagule, Tom Kelly, Thomas Kelly Young and Thomas Magagula. He had used the Bester profile to taunt the police to catch him.
Online hunter
His “Bester” Facebook profile has been removed. He had reportedly been operating for several years, using at least 13 different aliases. He allegedly used Facebook accounts to lure young women who were interested in working as models, actresses or doing promotional work.
Naidoo says he has been charged for one count of kidnapping and appeared in court on Friday after being arrested last Wednesday.
The charge, for kidnapping a woman in Alberton, will likely be followed by other charges relating to one count of murder, as well as charges of theft, rape and kidnapping, says Naidoo.
There could be further charges as the police are currently consolidating cases around the country, says Naidoo. The court date relating to the kidnapping charge has been provisionally set for next month, he adds.
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