Masked rapist linked to 8 Rundu attacks since January

Police are awaiting forensic results in the hunt for a masked rapist linked to at least eight attacks on women in Rundu since January – results they hope will finally crack the case.

The suspect is alleged to have targeted women across several suburbs while wearing a face mask.

Victims were reportedly threatened with a knife before being assaulted.

Authorities confirmed that 18 rape cases have been reported in Rundu since January, with eight linked to the masked suspect due to striking similarities in the attacks.

Kavango East regional crime investigations coordinator Deputy Commissioner Bonifatius Kanyetu told Namibian Sun that several persons of interest have been identified and forensic samples collected, but authorities are still awaiting results.

"If the results confirm it is [one of them], we will arrest and charge them,” Kanyetu said.

The attacks, which have sparked widespread terror among women, were reported in areas including Kaisosi, Ndama, Sauyemwa and Kehemu.

Police believe the masked attacker may be linked to the case in which a 25-year-old woman was allegedly raped at knifepoint in February by a man she described as wearing a white face mask. The woman said the man entered her home while she was cleaning.

Possible breakthrough

Despite the scale of the attacks, Kanyetu said there has been a notable shift in recent weeks.

“The only thing I can update you on is that the incidents are not happening anymore,” he said.

Police believe this may be linked to the ongoing investigation, during which potential suspects were called in and asked to provide biological samples.

“It was done gradually. Pick this one, take the sample; pick another one, take the sample," the deputy commissioner said.

He declined to reveal how many people have been questioned and asked to provide samples, warning that doing so could compromise the investigation.

“We cannot give any hint to these suspects. We will update the nation once the results are out,” he said.

While the apparent halt in attacks may suggest a breakthrough, police have urged the public to remain vigilant.

“We should not relax simply because these incidents are not currently happening. People must remain alert,” Kanyetu warned.

Police have also intensified community engagement, advising women on safety precautions and urging residents to report suspicious behaviour immediately.