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Man who lured rape victims using WhatsApp arrested – police

Durban – A man who used WhatsApp to lure his rape victims with the promise of work has been arrested, KwaZulu-Natal police said on Friday.

According to police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala, the 30-year-old man was arrested on Thursday by Tongaat police and the K9 Unit in Fairbreeze, north of Durban.

Gwala said police were put on alert after the suspect narrowly escaped authorities after luring two women to a secluded sugarcane field with the promise of jobs.

Gwala said one of the victims managed to escape and alerted the police, but the suspect evaded capture.

Gwala said police eventually nabbed the alleged rapist after he was "caught in the act while luring another victim with the same modus operandi".

Gwala said the man would rape victims and rob them of their belongings, including cellphones.

He would then use their cellphones to lure other victims.

He was charged with rape, robbery and kidnapping.

KwaZulu-Natal acting provincial commissioner Major General Bhekinkosi Langa commended police on their alertness.

"We urge other women who have been victims of the similar scenario to come forward and report the incidents. We also advise all women to refrain from believing… any job promises from strangers," he said.

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