A suspected serial rapist and armed robber who went on a rein of terror in Cranborne, Hatfield and Queensdale will face trial on January 29 this year. Thomas Brighton Chirembwe (28) is facing 30 counts of rape and unlawful entry.

Chirembwe raped 13 women on different occasions before looting their valuables worth thousands of dollars.

Chirembwe also stole US$1 500 cash from the women.

Armed with a knife or spanners, Chirembwe allegedly demanded money from the women.

He allegedly raped the women without protection.

One of his intended victims, according to court papers, survived abuse after kneeling down to pray and Chirembwe spared her.

Another victim survived after telling the suspected rapist that she was HIV positive while the other was on her monthly menstrual period.

Prosecutor Mr Allan Goche told the court that on September 18 at around 4am, a 31-year-old woman was sleeping in her bedroom when she heard some noise coming from outside.

She saw Chirembwe walking into her house armed with a knife.

Chirembwe, according Mr Goche, switched off the lights and demanded money from her.

He was given US$30.

Chirembwe allegedly raped her once.

On September 1, at around 3am, Chirembwe allegedly pounced on a Queensdale woman and raped her three times.

He allegedly stole some household properties and some cash.

On December 5, Chirembwe armed with a knife and two spanners forced his way into another house through the window.