Police express ‘shock’ after 86-year-old Limpopo woman repeatedly raped, allegedly by 21-year-old man

A 21-year-old Limpopo man was arrested, and is set to appear before the Moutse Magistrate's Court for raping an 86-year-old woman. File Picture

A 21-year-old Limpopo man was arrested, and is set to appear before the Moutse Magistrate's Court for raping an 86-year-old woman. File Picture

Published Sep 11, 2024

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A 21-year-old Limpopo man is expected to appear before the Moutse Magistrate's Court on Thursday after he allegedly raped an 86-year-old woman.

The rape ordeal happened in the early hours of Monday in Kirkvorsfontein, Dennilton.

“According to the information received, the victim was at home and went to sleep. While asleep, she felt a person pulling up her clothes. She tried to pull down the clothes,” said Limpopo provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.

Police said the assailant grabbed the octogenarian by the throat and strangled her.

“She screamed for help, but her voice wasn't audible. The suspect repeatedly raped her through the night,” said Ledwaba.

The next day, the raped woman screamed for help, and the abuser fled the scene.

“The suspect was traced and arrested on Tuesday, September 10 2024 at Kirkvorsfontein and charged with rape,” said Ledwaba.

Meanwhile, provincial commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has expressed “shock” over the incident.

“We will ensure that justice is served in view of the suspect's extremely troubling actions,” said Hadebe.

In August, IOL reported that a 27-year-old man was arrested in Limpopo after he allegedly raped a 101-year-old woman.

The elderly woman was raped in the Zaaiplaas policing area in Sekhukhune on July 27.

At the time, Ledwaba said a manhunt was immediately launched for the suspect who lives in the same neighbourhood.

“The incident allegedly took place at Zaaplaas new stands at about 5am. Reports indicate that the 101-year-old victim was asleep when she was awakened by the suspect who tried to strangle her before he raped her. The suspect, who broke the window to gain entry, fled the scene after the incident.

“Police were notified, and a manhunt ensued. The suspect was identified and arrested at his home shortly after the incident,” Ledwaba said.

IOL