NELSPRUIT – Police management in Mpumalanga has strongly condemned an incident in which a man reportedly raped a 79-year-old blind woman, at Vosman on Sunday, 02 May 2021. 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, 04 May 2021.

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 suspect appeared before the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court in absentia on Monday, 03 May and the case postponed to 10 May 2021.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Major General Thulani Phahla has welcomed the suspect’s arrest however 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.”

Source: South African Police Service