HE was let out of jail by mistake
MLUNGISI Mtshali, dubbed the "birthday rapist", was recaptured by the police yesterday morning.
He was nicknamed the "birthday rapist" because of his modus operandi of luring young women by claiming he was celebrating his birthday and inviting them to the "festivities".
During the course of the evening, he would lure one of them away from the "celebration", taking her to a hotel in Hillbrow or central Johannesburg under the pretext he was fetching another person or his luggage.
Once inside the hotel room he would allegedly rape the victims. So far 12 women from Johannesburg and Pretoria have laid charges against him.
He was wrongfully released by officials of the Department of Correctional Services.
Mtshali, 30, was recaptured in Pietermaritzburg by investigating officer Captain Joyce Buthelezi after tireless efforts and the use of innovative techniques, Gauteng police spokesperson Tshisikhawe Ndou said yesterday.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) commended Buthelezi for her sterling work in tracking down the suspect.
Correctional Services had released Mtshali after he had completed his sentence for another minor conviction unrelated to the 128 charges he will soon be facing in a Gauteng-based trial.
Ndou said: "His disappearance was only noticed on Thursday at the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court where he was expected to appear. The quick recapture was as a result of the tireless efforts by the investigating officer using various investigative techniques.
"He will be kept at the high-risk facility until his next court appearance. He is expected to appear in court soon."
The NPA announced yesterday that Mtshali's witnesses had been called arranged to appear in court today so that the suspect's trial can proceed.
NPA spokesman Mthunzi Mhaga said: "We commend Captain Buthelezi for rearresting the suspect within such short notice. We have now arranged for witnesses to be in court (today) for trial to proceed. We're still confident that we'll secure convictions on all his charges."
Mtshali faces 128 charges that include rape, kidnapping, assault, robbery and theft.
The NPA said it would present challenges to charge Mtshali with escaping from lawful custody since he was let out free by the Department of Correctional Services.
The department was busy yesterday investigating the cause of the bungle.
Cops recapture 'birthday rapist' released in error
HE was let out of jail by mistake
MLUNGISI Mtshali, dubbed the "birthday rapist", was recaptured by the police yesterday morning.
He was nicknamed the "birthday rapist" because of his modus operandi of luring young women by claiming he was celebrating his birthday and inviting them to the "festivities".
During the course of the evening, he would lure one of them away from the "celebration", taking her to a hotel in Hillbrow or central Johannesburg under the pretext he was fetching another person or his luggage.
Once inside the hotel room he would allegedly rape the victims. So far 12 women from Johannesburg and Pretoria have laid charges against him.
He was wrongfully released by officials of the Department of Correctional Services.
Mtshali, 30, was recaptured in Pietermaritzburg by investigating officer Captain Joyce Buthelezi after tireless efforts and the use of innovative techniques, Gauteng police spokesperson Tshisikhawe Ndou said yesterday.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) commended Buthelezi for her sterling work in tracking down the suspect.
Correctional Services had released Mtshali after he had completed his sentence for another minor conviction unrelated to the 128 charges he will soon be facing in a Gauteng-based trial.
Ndou said: "His disappearance was only noticed on Thursday at the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court where he was expected to appear. The quick recapture was as a result of the tireless efforts by the investigating officer using various investigative techniques.
"He will be kept at the high-risk facility until his next court appearance. He is expected to appear in court soon."
The NPA announced yesterday that Mtshali's witnesses had been called arranged to appear in court today so that the suspect's trial can proceed.
NPA spokesman Mthunzi Mhaga said: "We commend Captain Buthelezi for rearresting the suspect within such short notice. We have now arranged for witnesses to be in court (today) for trial to proceed. We're still confident that we'll secure convictions on all his charges."
Mtshali faces 128 charges that include rape, kidnapping, assault, robbery and theft.
The NPA said it would present challenges to charge Mtshali with escaping from lawful custody since he was let out free by the Department of Correctional Services.
The department was busy yesterday investigating the cause of the bungle.
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