By Bernell Simons
A suspected serial predator is on the run after allegedly using Facebook to lure women into meetings where they were later raped, prompting the South African Police Service (SAPS) to intensify thir search and warn the public.
According to police, a 32-year-old Lloyd McDonald, also known as Sizwe Jacobs, was linked to allegations of rape and conspiracy to commit murder in Mangaung, Bloemfontein.
Authorities and community members say his alleged modus operandi bears disturbing similarities to that of convicted criminal Thabo Bester, once dubbed the “Facebook rapist.”
Police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli said McDonald allegedly used multiple online aliases to lure women, portraying himself as polite and trustworthy before engaging in manipulative and harmful conduct.
In one reported incident, a 35-year-old woman said she met him on Facebook under the name “Shane Carson.” On 11 May 2025, she was allegedly invited to his home, offered a drink, and later raped after becoming disoriented. She reportedly managed to escape after asking to step outside for fresh air.
“Following intensive investigations, a warrant of arrest has been issued by the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court. It also revealed that Jacobs utilizes social media platforms, specifically Facebook, to lure and target victims under false identities,” said Kareli.
McDonald is also being investigated by Parkweg SAPS in connection with a case of conspiracy to commit murder. Kareli described the suspect’s alleged conduct as calculated and dangerous, warning that he may pose a serious risk to the public.
“The police urge the public to exercise extreme caution when meeting individuals from social media platforms. We are appealing to anyone who may have fallen victim to this suspect, or anyone with information regarding his current whereabouts, to come forward,” he said.
Comparisons to Bester quickly surfaced on social media, where users have labelled McDonald “Bester 2.0,” heightening public concern that a similar pattern of online manipulation may be emerging.
Several women have since taken to social media to share their alleged encounters with McDonald. Among them is Palesa Bopape, a former student at the Central University of Technology, who claims she too interacted with him online.
SAPS has urged anyone with information on McDonald’s whereabouts to contact Detective Constable Jessica du Preez of the Mangaung Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit on 082 527 7287, or to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Police have also cautioned the public to exercise extreme vigilance when meeting individuals through social media platforms.
