Bloodied Car, 12 Handbags — Foreign National Held In Soweto Linked To Serial Robbery Murders

Soweto police have launched an urgent investigation after the discovery of a bloodstained Toyota Corolla allegedly linked to a Congolese national accused of murdering and robbing unsuspecting women across parts of Johannesburg.

Police reportedly followed a trail of blood to the silver Corolla, which was found parked behind a tavern in Meadowlands Zone 4 last Tuesday evening. Inside the vehicle, officers allegedly discovered blood throughout the interior, along with 12 women’s handbags, emptied wallets, three identity documents belonging to different women and a bloodstained hunting knife.

The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Congolese citizen Fabrice Nkunda Mutombo, allegedly targeted commuters around busy taxi routes in Soweto, Lenasia and Eldorado Park. Investigators believe he presented himself as a Good Samaritan by offering women free lifts before allegedly threatening them with a weapon, robbing them and taking them to isolated locations.

Soweto police spokesperson Captain Refilwe Dlamini confirmed that Mutombo is facing charges including murder, armed robbery and possession of suspected stolen property. Police are working with the Priority Crimes Litigation Unit to establish the full extent of the alleged crimes.

Forensic specialists have collected biological samples from the vehicle, with DNA results expected to help investigators determine whether the blood and other evidence can be linked to missing women.

The investigation has also prompted authorities to review several disappearance cases reported across different police stations. Neighbourhood watch coordinator Thabo Nkosi said several families had reported women missing during the past six weeks, with some last seen near taxi ranks.

At least six families are reportedly awaiting DNA results as authorities work to establish whether their missing relatives are connected to the suspect.

Home Affairs has also confirmed that Mutombo’s visa expired 14 months ago, adding an immigration violation to the charges.

Police have not yet confirmed the number of potential victims and have urged anyone with information about missing women or the suspect to come forward as the investigation continues.

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