Police hunt Johannesburg suspect over April rape and attempted murder
SAPS Johannesburg Central detectives have named Francis Nwize Akwase and released his photograph as they appeal to the public for information.
Gauteng police are looking for a man wanted over an alleged rape and attempted murder in Johannesburg Central.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) says detectives attached to Johannesburg Central have named Francis Nwize Akwase as the suspect in the case, which is said to have happened on 23 April 2026.
In a media statement issued through the office of the provincial commissioner for Gauteng, the police asked the public to help them find him. A photograph of the suspect was released with the appeal.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Mbatha, on 076 770 5766. Information can also be reported anonymously through the MySAPS app or by calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Enquiries on the statement are directed to Captain Tintswalo Sibeko on 082 947 8770.
The police statement does not set out the circumstances of the alleged offences, and it does not say whether anyone else is being sought. It records the case as an allegation at this stage. A suspect wanted for questioning has not been convicted of anything, and a court would decide any charge brought against him.
The statement is a public appeal rather than the case docket itself, so it summarises the police’s account rather than reproducing the underlying record.
Source: South African Police Service (SAPS), SAPS seeks public’s assistance in locating wanted attempted murder and rape suspect Francis Nwize Akwase
