Rhodes Mem suspect abandons bail bid

THE SUSPECTED Rhodes Memorial rapist, who is likely to face a string of charges for attacking UCT students, will spend at least another month behind bars after yesterday abandoning his bail application.

Mthunzi Hlomane, 35, appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court, taking to the dock moments before the four accused in the Franziska Blochliger murder case.

As Hlomane took his position in the dock, someone in the packed public gallery shouted: “No bail.”

But it emerged during proceedings that Hlomane had decided not to go ahead with a bail application, so there was no chance of him being freed from custody.

He faces counts of rape, attempted murder, robbery and kidnapping, with more charges likely to be added.

Magistrate Hafiza Mohamed postponed the case to allow further investigation.

Throughout yesterday’s brief proceedings Hlomane appeared at ease. Hlomane, who also apparently went by the names Patrick Hlomane and Mthunzi Mkhamba, was arrested a week ago on the slopes above Rhodes Memorial.

Cellphone evidence is expected to form part of the case against him after two sources told Weekend Argus he had been caught after signals from a cellphone stolen from a rape victim were tracked.

Five women were raped and a sixth narrowly escaped being raped near Rhodes Memorial since November. Four of the five victims were UCT students and the assaults sparked fear on the campus and in surrounding areas.

Last Friday, a day before Hlomane was arrested, UCT offered a R100 000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

The matter is expected to resume in court in May.