The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has expressed shock and condemned in the strongest possible terms the recent acts of rape and assault committed against an elderly woman in Hlanganani under Mopani District.The incident allegedly took place at Rotterdam Village in the early hours of Friday 27 October 2023 at about 00:30.
Reports indicate that the 70-year-old victim was asleep with her two minor grandchildren when she was awakened by someone knocking on the door.The suspect who is known to the victim and stays in the same neighbourhood, requested a place to sleep and alleged that he travelled from Gauteng and on arrival, he discovered that his house was already locked.
Immediately after the man entered the house, he started to assault the victim with his hands and further used a knife and panga until she became weak and defenseless. That’s when the perpetrator raped the woman and afterwards robbed her of a cellphone, clothes and house keys.
The children screamed for help and the community swiftly responded but the suspect managed to flee from the scene. Police and Medical Emergency Services were alerted.The victim was transported to hospital for medical treatment.
The 22-year-old suspect was traced and arrested at his home shortly after the incident.
“The safety and well-being of all residents, especially our most vulnerable citizens, is of paramount importance. Such acts of violence are not only criminal but also a gross violation of human dignity and respect.
“We call upon the community to stand together against such abhorrent acts and we must reaffirm our commitment to creating a safe and secure environment for everyone in our province,” concluded Lieutenant General Hadebe.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Tiyani Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 30 October 2023, facing charges of Rape and Assault GBH.
