Cape Town - A 71-year-old grandmother who was reportedly raped by her grandson in Casablanca, Strand, has died in hospital.
According to police, the woman died from natural causes.
Police said the 26-year-old suspect will remain behind bars, as he still faces the charge of rape.
A community member said a relative found fluids in the private parts of the frail woman while changing her nappy on August 8.
Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson Niklaas Thysen said they were alerted to the incident on August 20.
The suspect was then arrested and appeared in the Strand Magistrate’s Court, where he informed the court he would abandon his bail.
He is expected to appear again on October 2.
The accused’s mother said she was dealt a double blow with the case.
“On one hand my son is behind bars and on the other, my mother was the alleged victim and now has died … We asked how she died and they said it was natural causes.”
The 41-year-old daughter said her mother had been sick for some time.
The 71-year-old is survived by her four children, 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said the circumstances surrounding the incident were still under investigation.
“We can confirm that the victim was declared deceased on Wednesday, August 28 due to natural causes.
“The suspect, a 27-year-old man, has opted to abandon his bail application and will remain in custody to face a charge of rape,” said Swartbooi.
Action Society’s head of Action Centre Kaylynn Palm said they were saddened by the loss of the elderly woman.
“We would like to extend our condolences to her loved ones. We will continue to fight for justice for her case,” said Palm.
The police have appealed to anyone with information that can assist with the investigation to call Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
Cape Argus