A SERIAL rapist who preyed on vulnerable women in Kanoeneiland is now behind bars after DNA evidence linked him to two separate attacks, leading to his conviction in the Upington Regional Court.

According to Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Omphile Masegela, the terror began in the early hours of April 11, 2021, when an 18-year-old woman was walking home alone through a bushy area. Her journey was violently interrupted when she was ambushed by 27-year-old Desmond Abrahams. Dragged to an abandoned house, the young woman endured a harrowing ordeal as he repeatedly raped her before she managed to escape and report the crime.

Despite the victim identifying her attacker, Abrahams was granted bail following his arrest. However, a crucial DNA sample was taken, setting the wheels of justice in motion.

Months later, on November 1, 2021, another horrifying incident unfolded in Kanoeneiland. A 59-year-old woman was preparing for bed when an intruder broke into her locked home and attacked her. She lost consciousness during the assault and awoke the next morning, naked and disoriented. Determined to seek justice, she reported the attack to the police and a rape case was registered.

Forensic analysis proved to be the key in solving both cases. DNA results conclusively linked Abrahams to both crimes, leading to his re-arrest. This time, his bail application was denied, ensuring he remained in custody until his trial.

On February 27, 2025, justice was finally served. The court found Abrahams guilty on both counts of rape, sentencing him to a total of 16 years behind bars - nine years for the first attack and seven for the second, to be served separately. Additionally, he was declared unfit to own a firearm under the Firearms Control Act.

The acting district commissioner of ZF Mgcawu, Brigadier Peet Coetzee, commended the “meticulous investigation” led by Sergeant Lebogang Mokwene of the Upington SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences unit that played a pivotal role in securing the conviction.

He also reiterated the police's commitment to intensifying investigations into gender-based violence, ensuring that no perpetrator escapes justice.

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