Key Points:
- The suspect used a fake Facebook profile to lure women with false job offers.
- Police found the victim and arrested the suspect within five hours in Giyani.
- SAPS warns South Africans to be cautious when dealing with strangers online.
GIYANI, South Africa — Limpopo police have arrested a man who used a fake Facebook account to kidnap and rape women, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
How the Suspect Operated
The suspect created a fraudulent Facebook profile using the name “Jeff Rals.” The man used stolen photos and fake information to lure women with false job offers.
He reportedly convinced women from Gauteng to travel to Limpopo. He promised them employment opportunities, but instead, he kidnapped and assaulted them.
One concerned man reported his female friend missing. She had planned to meet “Jeff Rals” in Pretoria. When she saw the suspect in person, she realized he didn’t match his Facebook photos. The man then lied and claimed he was Jeff’s brother, sent to pick her up.
Swift Police Action Led to Rescue
Immediately after receiving the report, Brig. Athlenda Mathe contacted Limpopo Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Thembi Hadebe. Without delay, Hadebe formed a search team to locate the victim.
Within five hours, the team tracked the suspect and the victim to a filling station in Giyani. The suspect had run out of fuel and lacked money to continue his journey.
According to the victim, the suspect drove her to his homestead. There, he repeatedly raped her and demanded money. She had no means to escape.
Mathe explained that online criminals often gain victims’ trust first. Then they exploit them by arranging in-person meetings that result in dangerous outcomes.
SAPS Issues Warning to Social Media Users
SAPS encourages anyone else who may have encountered the same Facebook scammer to come forward. Police confirmed that the suspect remains in custody. He faces charges of rape and kidnapping.
Fortunately, the young woman is receiving support. Authorities are helping her reunite with her family.
Mathe praised the swift action of the Mopani District Tracking Team, Lulekani detectives, Giyani POP, Crime Intelligence, and other local units.
Clearly, the Facebook scammer kidnaps woman case shows how criminals manipulate trust online. Furthermore, it underscores that when a Facebook scammer kidnaps woman, victims can face serious harm.
