By Kopano Dibakwane
The elderly members of the community are vulnerable and deserve protection as they navigate through old age, but this was not the case for a 90-year-old woman who was allegedly attacked viciously and raped by a 20-year-old suspect at Morgenzon, Standerton, in the early hours of Sunday 1 September.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, said the suspect is reportedly known to the victim’s family.
“ The South African Police Service(SAPS) members from Morgenzon tracked down and apprehended the alleged perpetrator shortly after the incident and charged him accordingly,” said Mdhluli.
The Acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Major-General(Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, said a thorough investigation will be conducted by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences(FCS)Unit. The General also urged the public to allow police the space to probe the matter in order to secure justice for the victim.
“ Such acts of violence against vulnerable members of our society, particularly the elderly, are disgraceful and will not be tolerated. It is also imperative for the police and community to work together to protect the vulnerable members of the society and to bring those who commit such heinous acts to justice. Together, we can work towards creating a safer environment for all,” said General Mkhwanazi.
Colonel Mdhluli said the suspect is expected to appear before the Standerton Magistrate’s Court on Monday 2 September, facing a charge of rape.
