Ndudi Anyim
The South African Police Service in Mpumalanga Province have arrested and arraigned a 48-year-old alleged rapist, following the rape of a 79-year-old blind woman.
The suspect, a neighbour of the aged woman, committed the crime on May 2, while she was alone in the house.
He had attempted to flee the area after been caught but was accosted by neighbours who beat him to a pulp before alerting the police.
The suspect was subsequently arraigned at Emalahleni Magistrate Court.
Condemning the crime, the Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Thulani Phahla said: “The incident in which a man reportedly raped a 79-year-old blind woman, at Vosman is sad. However, the 48-year-old alleged rapist was swiflty arrested with the help of the community and appeared in absentia before the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, May 4.
“The suspect, regarded as a neighbour, residing a few houses away from the elderly woman’s house, allegedly went to her house, found her there alone and raped her. She then ran towards the street as her daughter arrived home with her male friend. Her daughter then managed to grab her and tried to find out what was going on when she realised that her mother looked terrified.
“Her male friend in the meantime, went to the house to investigate why the elderly ran out of the house and shockingly found the suspect putting his trousers back on. He then wrestled with the suspect meanwhile other members of the community came over to assist.
“Police were later notified about the incident and upon arrival, police arrested the suspect on a charge of rape but due to his injuries, he was taken to hospital for medical treatment. The case was postponed to May 10.”
He further cautioned members of the public not to take the law into their own hands but allow the law to take its course. “We are adamant that the investigation team will work hard to ensure that justice is served for the elderly,” Phahla stated.