Key Points:
- A 91-year-old woman was allegedly raped by her neighbor’s son in Mpumalanga.
- The suspect threatened the victim with a knife and fled through a window.
- The Family Violence Unit is investigating, and the suspect remains in custody.
Police arrested a 40-year-old man who appeared Thursday in the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court in Mpumalanga. He faces charges for allegedly raping a 91-year-old woman in her home on May 17.
According to investigators, the man is the son of the victim’s neighbor. He allegedly broke into her home while she was with her daughter watching television.
Victim Attacked After Daughter Went to Church
Lt. Col. Jabu Ndubane, the provincial police spokesperson, said the daughter left for church around 9 p.m. She made sure all the doors were locked before leaving.
An hour later, around 10 p.m., the elderly woman went to her bedroom to take medication. At that moment, the suspect entered the room holding a knife.
“She recognized him as the neighbor’s son,” Ndubane said. “When she tried to speak, he pushed her onto the bed and told her to be quiet. He threatened her with the knife and then allegedly raped her.”
The suspect fled through a window after the attack. The daughter returned home later that night. The victim immediately told her about the assault.
After inspecting the house, the daughter noticed that someone had forced open the lounge window. Police believe this was the suspect’s entry and exit point.
The family quickly took the 91-year-old woman raped during the attack to a hospital. She is receiving medical attention and support.
Family Violence Unit Leads Investigation
The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit is leading the investigation. Authorities placed the suspect in custody and scheduled his next court appearance for Tuesday, May 27.
Police have asked community members to come forward with any relevant information. Moreover, they encouraged residents to report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods.
The 91-year-old woman raped in Driekoppies continues to receive care while the investigation progresses.
