By Bayanda Hlongwane
Thulani Thusini, the 46-year-old man accused of raping 16 women in Cato Manor and other parts of KwaZulu-Natal has abandoned his bail application after the state added 12 charges to his case.
The accused appeared in the Durban Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 28 September, where the state confirmed that the number of charges against him had increased from 15 to 27. The additional charges include kidnapping, housebreaking with intent to rape, theft and assault.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) previously said the alleged offences took place between 2014 and 2024 in Cato Manor, as well as Plessislaer and Taylor’s Halt in Pietermaritzburg.
Police have linked the accused to alleged attacks involving 16 women, including 14 in Cato Manor and two in the Pietermaritzburg area. Investigators said DNA evidence and similarities between the cases helped link him to the alleged offences.
According to police, the accused allegedly operated mainly at night, following women from taverns to their homes before attacking them. In some cases, he allegedly broke into homes and assaulted women at knifepoint. Police said he allegedly concealed his face with pantyhose, making it difficult for victims to identify him.
Community members and supporters of the victims gathered outside the Durban Magistrates’ Court during the proceedings.
Members of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Cato Manor Community Police Forum (CPF) were among those who attended, carrying placards calling for the accused to be denied bail.
Kholwa Magaca, a Cato Manor community member who attended the proceedings, said the alleged crimes had caused concern in the community.
She alleged that the accused had once promised a woman a job before allegedly raping and killing her and burying near Albert Luthuli Hospital.
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Women’s Chairperson Nonhlanhla Ntshayintshayi, welcomed the accused’s decision to abandon his bail application and the addition of further charges.
“As the accused has decided not to file for bail, also with the charges that have been added, we are really seeing the difference,” she said.
Cato Manor Community Police Forum executive Mthokozisi Ncwane, also welcomed the arrest.
“I am very thankful that the police have finally arrested the culprit. Our efforts as the CPF in collaboration with the police contributed to this man’s arrest,” he said.
Ncwane said the community had been concerned about its safety while the accused was still at large.
The accused has been remanded in custody, with the matter set to return to court on 28 October 2026.
