Alleged Tinder serial killer nabbed

The arrest of a 37-year-old man accused of using Tinder to lure women to his home in Eersterust, Pretoria, has reignited fears over the safety of online dating platforms.

The man was arrested on Monday in Mentz Village, Limpopo. He is allegedly linked to more than 10 cases of rape and murder across Gauteng.

In the latest case, he allegedly raped and killed a woman, burying her in a shallow grave at his home.

He faces charges of rape, murder, and defeating the ends of justice, and is due to appear in the Pretoria Central Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.

Police spokesperson, Brenda Muridili, confirmed the suspect was out on bail for a 2023 rape case at the time of his arrest.

The case has sparked debate around the dangers of dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge despite their built-in safety features. Authorities have urged users to remain cautious.

Private investigator Mike Bolhuis has warned that dating platforms have become havens for predators who use fake identities to lure and extort victims, especially young women.

Meanwhile, police are investigating a possible link between the ‘Tinder’ suspect and four recent murders in Gauteng, after a burnt body was found at Watloo train station yesterday.

It’s the fourth body discovered at a train station in the past month, following similar discoveries between Watloo and Denneboom stations in June and July.

Muridili says police are not ruling out the suspect’s involvement.