Alleged serial rapist also facing kidnapping, robbery, and assault charges

Oupa Hector Ringani, the alleged serial rapist who faces more than 38 charges of rape, kidnapping, and robbery over a 17-year period, also escaped from custody in 2010 and his 2002 three-year conviction was suspended.

This was revealed by the State when Ringani, 41, appeared at the Protea Magistrate’s Court in Soweto on Monday.

His matter was postponed to November 14 for possible addition of more charges and further investigation.

Ringani was arrested on Wednesday in connection with a series of serious crimes, including rape, kidnapping, robbery, and assault, committed in Diepkloof and Orlando, Soweto, between 2008 and 2025.

Ringani, who wore a military-style green jacket, winked to familiar faces in the gallery shortly after re-entering the courtroom following a short adjournment.

He was arrested in Diepkloof and is facing 35 counts of rape, 23 counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, 21 counts of kidnapping, and 15 counts of pointing a firearm, with the charge sheet still to be amended due to possible additional charges.

"The case has been postponed to the 14th of November for further investigation and the possible addition of other charges. The accused is to return on the stipulated date to Court 10, where the matter will resume following further investigation by the State," the Magistrate said.

On Monday, some of his alleged victims were overcome with emotion, with one of the victims seen crying uncontrollably when he was escorted into the courtroom.

The accused, through his legal representative, indicated that he will not be applying for bail, with the State having revealed that he is expected to answer to 38 cases against him in Diepkloof, with two more to be added in the North West.

According to the police, between 2008 and 2025, 45 cases were reported, 38 of them with the SAPS in Diepkloof, five in Orlando, and two more cases were reported in the North West Province.

Police spokesperson, Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, commended the work of the police who led the investigation into the accused alongside other stakeholders.

"The investigation, led by a dedicated team from the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit, consisting of members from the National Head Office FCS, Provincial FCS, and Orlando FCS, worked tirelessly to track down the suspect. The suspect was apprehended on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, in Diepkloof. The SAPS commends the bravery of the victims and the efforts of the investigative team. We continue to work tirelessly to ensure justice and safety for our communities," she said.

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za