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The South African Police Service (SAPS) is to be applauded for their swift response to the robbery of a senior police general, and the arrest of a suspect. But the same cannot be said for the police’s efforts to track down and arrest alleged rapist and attempted murderer Mbongiseni Welcome Zwane. 

Zwane has been on the run since July 2021, when he allegedly kidnapped his ex-girlfriend, took her to a guesthouse and raped her several times. Then, two months later, the alleged kidnapper and rapist allegedly shot her repeatedly outside her home – incredibly, she survived. This attack came weeks after the victim lodged the rape complaint with the Cleveland SAPS.

Last Thursday, Gauteng deputy police commissioner Major General Tommy Mthombeni was robbed of his private firearm, a luxury watch and several other valuables while reportedly running errands in Midrand. According to the police, a suspect was arrested within 24 hours. In a statement the police said that: “The team comprised members from Crime Intelligence, the provincial cold case investigation unit, Johannesburg Metro K9 unit, Vision Tactical SIU and Tracker Connect”. 

The Private Prosecution Unit spokesperson, Barry Bateman, questions why victims of gender-based violence do not get such rapid response. “Why was the cold case unit not roped in to track down the alleged rapist and attempted murderer Mbongiseni Welcome Zwane? 

Following a request from the victim’s former employer, AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit represents the complainant, whose identity is being withheld.

Since the shooting, the young woman has resigned from her employment and fled to a place of safety. The suspect has not been apprehended.

“The Private Prosecution Unit urges the police to exercise the same zeal and determination shown in arresting the general’s attackers, towards tracing a suspect in a brutal case of gender-based violence. Zwane has evaded the police for 18 months, while his alleged victim hides for her safety. The stark disparity in the allocation of resources and effort re-enforces the public’s perception that crimes against women are simply not seen as a priority,” says Bateman. 

Anyone with information about Zwane’s location is requested to call the Cleveland SAPS on 011 622 5680. Alternatively, email information to the Private Prosecution Unit on onsvervolg@afriforum.co.za

Issued by AfriForum