GIRLS and women from Etwatwa in Ekurhuleni are living in fear as they believe a serial rapist is on the loose.
The man preys on victims who cross the railway tracks to get to school and home.
After receiving several complaints, community patrollers visited the spot where the incidents have been taking place on Friday, 24 March.
To their shock, they found panties, handbags and other clothes strewn on the ground.
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Two victims have so far came forward to open cases with the police.
The patrollers also found a man near the railway tracks and took him to the police station for questioning.
Community leader Nomfundo Dladla said: "Some women don't report, and we urge them to come forward.
"We are spreading the message of gender-based violence and women should not suffer in silence when they can report their cases and receive counselling," she said.
Dladla said the underwear and handbags were found under the train bridge between Etwatwa East and West.
The two victims, which are schoolgirls, were apparently on their way back from school when they were attacked.
"One of them reported to the teachers and they helped her to open a case,” she said.
"We urge the residents to guard these girls and women as they cross the railway during the morning and afternoon."
Sergeant Khensani Mathebula of Etwatwa Police Station confirmed two cases of rape had been opened, and no arrests have been made yet.
She said resident found a man next to the railway and brought him to the police station but after being profiled, cops couldn't link him to the crimes.
Etwatwa police are now urging other victims and anyone with information to come forward.
