Rape of a 70-year-Old elderly woman in Rotterdam Village condemned

Limpopo MEC for Social Development, Ms Nandi Ndalane has condemned the rape and assault of a 70-year-old elderly woman by a 22-year-old suspect in Rotterdam Village. According to Police reports, a 70-year-old woman was attacked and raped at Rotterdam village on Friday at about 00:30.

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Reports indicate that the 70-year-old victim was asleep with her two minor grandchildren when she was awakened by someone knocking on the door. The suspect who is known to the victim and stays in the same neighbourhood requested a place to sleep.

He alleged that he travelled from Gauteng and on arrival, he discovered that his house was already locked. Immediately after the man entered the house, he started to assault the victim with his hands and further used a knife and panga until she became weak and defenseless.

That’s when the perpetrator raped the woman and afterwards robbed her of a cellphone, clothes and house keys.

ROTTERDAM VILLAGE RAPE OF ELDERLY WOMAN SHOCKS COMMUNITY

The children screamed for help and the community swiftly responded but the suspect managed to flee from the scene. Police and Medical Emergency Services were alerted. The victim was transported to the hospital for medical treatment. The 22-year-old suspect was traced and arrested at his home shortly after the incident.

“In the beginning of this month during the commemoration of the International Day of Older Persons, we called for the safety of older persons as well as the protection of their rights. It is heartbreaking that a few weeks after we send that message an older person is attacked in this brutal manner by a suspect young enough to be her grandson,” said Ndalane.

She has also called for the harshest permissible sentence for the suspect if convicted. Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has also expressed shock and condemned the incident.

“The safety and well-being of all residents, especially our most vulnerable citizens, is of paramount importance. Such acts of violence are not only criminal but also a gross violation of human dignity and respect,” she said.
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The suspect is expected to appear before the Tiyani Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 30 October 2023. He is facing charges of Rape and Assault GBH.