Suspect arrested for brutal rape of elderly woman
Zaaiplaas
The Provincial Commissioner of the Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has strongly condemned the rape of an elderly woman in Zaaiplaas Village outside Groblersdal, after a 101-year-old granny was attacked and raped at her home on Saturday 27 July 2024. The incident allegedly took place at Zaaplaas New Stands Section at about 05:00.
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Limpopo Provincial Police Spokesperson, said 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 a 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,” he said.
The suspect, Sifiso Mahlangu (27) appeared before the Zaaiplaas Periodical Court on Monday 29 July 2024 on charges of house breaking and rape. He was remanded in custody until Thursday 8 August 2024 for possible bail application.
Provincial Commissioner Hadebe hailed the prompt arrest of the suspect and condemned the incident with strongest possible terms.
“This despicable act of violence against a vulnerable member of our community is met with the full force of our commitment to justice. The rape of an elderly woman is not just a crime against an individual but a deeply disturbing assault on our society’s values and sense of safety,” concluded Hadebe.
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, expressed her profound outrage and unequivocal condemnation on the appalling rape of the elderly woman.
“This horrific crime is a stark indictment of our society, particularly during women’s month, a time dedicated to honouring and celebrating the women of our nation. The suffering inflicted upon this respected member of our community is both reprehensible and heart breaking,” she said.
The minister emphasized the importance of caring for and listening to our elderly. She called for full prosecution of those who target the most vulnerable citizens and urged all South Africans to unite in demonstrating compassionate care, particularly towards the vulnerable, as part of collective effort to prevent and combat Gender Base Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
Abram Mahlangu, a local community leader and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Chairperson in Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality (EMLM) Ward 16, said they were shocked after learning about the unfortunate incident.
“This incident is inhuman and needs the whole community to act against it. It is unacceptable that our elderly persons would be subjected to crimes of this nature. We cannot keep quite as community leaders,” he said.
Mahlangu said the party will mobilise the community and attend the court proceedings to oppose bail application of the suspect.
