In a notable advancement in the fight against gender-based violence, the Free State Provincial Tracking Team apprehended three individuals who were sought in connection with separate rape cases. This development brings a renewed sense of hope to survivors and highlights the police’s commitment to identifying alleged offenders who have eluded capture for an extended period.
These arrests were made through strategic operations as part of the multidisciplinary Operation Shanela II, which was bolstered by tips from the community and focused tracing efforts in the Bloemspruit region. The police stated that this operation showcases their dedication to pursuing suspects associated with serious sexual crimes, regardless of how much time has lapsed since the incidents.
The first apprehension involved 47-year-old Deon Joshua, who was tracked down at a home in Bergman, Bloemspruit, following leads about his location. He was wanted in relation to a rape case under investigation in Bloemspruit, with a warrant for his arrest issued by the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court in 2025.
In another operation, law enforcement officials detained a 14-year-old boy who had reportedly been avoiding arrest for a number of years. He is alleged to have committed a rape offence in 2022. According to the police, investigators had been actively searching for this minor until they succeeded in locating him thanks to newly acquired intelligence.
The operation progressed further on Monday, 13 July 2026, around 12:20 PM, when the tracking team received fresh details while following another suspect.
This information led officers to Phase 7 in Bloemspruit, where they took 32-year-old Thoriso Joseph Makhala into custody. Makhala is connected to the alleged rape of a mentally disabled woman in Bloemspruit in 2017, a case that had remained unresolved until investigators were finally able to identify and arrest him.
Authorities characterized these arrests as a product of relentless investigative efforts combined with vital contributions from community members who provided tips that assisted in locating the suspects.
The Free State Provincial Tracking Team emphasized that the operation highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-driven law enforcement and the importance of collaboration among specialized units within the police.
The South African Police Service reiterated its vow to pursue individuals accused of gender-based violence and safeguard the vulnerable populations in society. Officials noted that investigations into sexual offenses remain a high priority and cautioned that those who perpetrate crimes against women and children will continue to be targeted.
All three apprehended suspects are set to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court to face charges in their respective cases.
