Man (30) accused of raping 86-year-old Umthambeka woman
Community members gathered outside the court on Tuesday, chanting songs and dancing with their placards.
A man who allegedly raped an 86-year-old Umthambeka woman on March 1 was arrested at Thembisa Hospital by the station commander of Thembisa South SAPS, Col Nthipe Boloka.
The fleeing suspect was admitted to the hospital with an injured toe. He reportedly hurt his toe while entering the victim’s home through a window.
Boloka said the suspect was arrested on Sunday and was detained at the police station’s holding cells. He was expected to appear in court on March 10.
Boloka said the victim was sleeping next to her granddaughter (9) at the time of the incident. The woman was allegedly tied up, threatened with a knife and then raped.
“I went to the hospital myself to arrest him after we got a tip-off. After the arrest the community was furious and wanted to get their hands on him.”
Community members gathered outside the court on Tuesday, chanting songs and dancing with their placards. Police were present to monitor the situation.
Brandy Khaba, a community leader, said: “We are here today because the system has failed us. We speak of the coronavirus, which made the government spread resources in all directions. Maybe we as women have to declare ourselves as the virus so the government can take notice of us.
“The ANC leadership has been advocating against the abuse of women and children, and we are not going to stop. Government and other countries have to see this as a cry for justice. Perpetrators of violence and rape should not be given bail, because they come out to do the same injustices to our mothers and sisters,” said Khaba.
Angelina Mputhi, Thembisa South Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson, said the violence is emotionally damaging because women cannot feel safe around male members of their families, including children, grandchildren and uncles.
“The victim lives with her granddaughter, a churchgoing person and a person we visited every now and then. She was like a mother to me, a friend, colleague and a proud member of our political organisation,” said Mputhi.
Maria Twala, Umthambeka sectional leader, asked all organisations to come together regardless of their political differences.
“The grandchild ran to grab a cellphone but was too scared to make a call, so she sent ‘please call me’ messages to the neighbours. It was not until morning that one neighbour came to the house and the perpetrator stormed out of the house.
“The victim had known the perpetrator since he was a toddler. He grew up in front of her eyes,” said Twala.
“We are here sending a strong message to those thinking of doing something similar. We will get you and you will be punished. If the system fails us, we will deal with you as the community. We do not condone violence, but there will be a reaction to every action,” said Twala.
