Blind woman, 79, raped

THE SAPS in Mpumalanga yesterday condemned the rape of a 79-year-old blind woman at Vosman earlier this week.

The 48-year-old man accused of the crime has been arrested, but is nursing injuries in hospital after being assaulted by community members, Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Leonard Hlathi said in a statement.

“The 48-year-old alleged rapist was swiftly arrested with the help of the community, and appeared in absentia before the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday,” Hlathi said.

“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.”

According to police, the elderly woman’s daughter sought to establish what was going on when she noticed that her mother looked terrified.

“Her male friend in the meantime, went to the house to investigate why the elderly (woman) ran out of the house and shockingly found the suspect putting his trousers back on. He then wrestled with the suspect, and other members of the community came over to assist,” said Hlathi.

“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 Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court postponed the case to May 10.

Acting provincial police commissioner in Mpumalanga Major-general Thulani Phahla welcomed the man’s arrest, but however, cautioned community members against taking the law into their own hands. “The investigation team will work hard to ensure that justice is served for the old woman,” said Phahla. |