A 30-year-old man wanted by police for nearly eight years in connection with an alleged kidnapping and multiple rape case has been arrested in Botshabelo, Free State. According to police, Dalixolo Ngamlani was taken into custody on Thursday, 25 June 2026, after members of the Provincial Tracking Team acted on intelligence regarding his whereabouts.
Police say the arrest marks a significant breakthrough in a long-running investigation dating back to 2017. Investigators have also linked the suspect through forensic profiling to another alleged rape case reported in Bloemspruit in 2021, adding to the charges he is expected to face.
Why Was Dalixolo Ngamlani Wanted by the police?
According to the South African Police Service, Dalixolo Ngamlani had been sought in connection with a serious case registered in the Kopanong policing area in 2017.
Police allege that the suspect abducted his 28-year-old former girlfriend and held her captive in a shack in Phase 6. Authorities state that the woman was kept there from 7 June 2017 until 11 June 2017.
During that period, police allege she was repeatedly raped and assaulted. The investigation resulted in the suspect being circulated as wanted, but despite years of efforts to locate him, he remained on the run.
The Provincial Tracking Team continued to investigate the case over several years, following up on information that could lead to his arrest.
How Police Located the Suspect in Botshabelo
Police said members of the Provincial Tracking Team received actionable intelligence indicating that Ngamlani could be found at a local initiation school in Botshabelo.
Officers travelled to the location on Thursday morning, where they allegedly found the suspect working as a teacher at the initiation school.
He was arrested without incident and taken into police custody.
The arrest highlights the work carried out by specialised tracking teams responsible for locating wanted suspects who have evaded arrest for extended periods.
According to police, investigations did not end with the arrest. Detectives continued processing evidence linked to other outstanding cases.
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Additional Rape Investigation Linked Through Forensic Evidence
Following the arrest, police said forensic profiling connected Ngamlani to another alleged rape case involving a 24-year-old complainant.
Authorities allege the second offence occurred in Bloemspruit in 2021.
Police have not released further details about that investigation, but confirmed that the forensic link forms part of the ongoing criminal investigation against the suspect.
As with all criminal matters before the courts, the allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings. The suspect will have an opportunity to respond to the charges during the court process.
The case also demonstrates the role forensic evidence can play in reopening investigations and linking suspects to crimes committed years apart.
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Court Appearance Expected as Investigation Continues
Dalixolo Ngamlani is expected to appear in the local Magistrate’s Court on charges including kidnapping, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), and multiple counts of rape.
Police have indicated that investigations remain ongoing, meaning additional charges could arise should further evidence become available.
The arrest is expected to provide some progress in a case that remained unresolved for nearly a decade and reflects continued efforts by law enforcement to locate wanted suspects, regardless of how much time has passed.
The matter will now proceed through the court system, where the allegations will be tested in accordance with South African law.
Readers can follow our continuing coverage for updates on the suspect’s court appearance and any further developments released by police or the courts.
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