A Mamelodi man, who allegedly choked his victims until they passed out before raping them, pleaded not guilty in the Pretoria High Court on Monday to 15 charges of rape, attempted rape and robbery .

Thabang Nkadimeng is on trial for allegedly raping six women, aged between 16 and 39, attempting to rape two women, and robbing seven of his victims.

His alleged reign of terror in Mamelodi, Eersterust, East Lynne and Nellmapius in Pretoria started in October 2005 and ended in January 2007 when police said they caught him trying to strangle a 31-year-old woman.

The State alleges Nkadimeng lured his victims to deserted spots by pretending he could get them jobs or asking for directions.

Once in his clutches, he allegedly grabbed his victims by the throat and choked them until they lost consciousness before raping and robbing them of their personal possessions such as cellphones and cash.

A 27-year-old woman testified she had soiled herself after Nkadimeng choked her to a point where she could no longer breathe.

She was lying on the ground with her pants and undergarments pulled down when she regained consciousness. The R15 in cash she had with her, and her earrings and necklaces, had been taken.

A young woman — who was 16-years-old when she was attacked — also told the court Nkadimeng had choked her until she passed out.

She was adamant that Nkadimeng was her attacker and said she recognised him by the gap between his teeth and a mark on the side of his face.

Nkadimeng denied ever meeting any of his alleged victims before the day in June 2006 when they identified him at a police identity parade.

The trial continues before Acting Judge Chris Eksteen.

Sapa