LIMPOPO – Haenertsburg police have arrested a 75-year-old woman from Segwashi village for threatening a rape victim and attempting to influence the withdrawal of a criminal case.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the arrest follows an intimidation case opened by a 36-year-old woman who was threatened after reporting a rape incident to police.

Victim raped on roadside in Segwashi

Police say the victim was walking home on Saturday evening (April 25) when she was raped on the side of the road by a man she knew.

The incident was reported to police, who immediately launched a manhunt for the suspect.

Ledwaba said officers went to the suspect’s residence on Sunday, but were unable to locate him.

Grandmother sends threat with two-week deadline

According to police, the suspect’s grandmother then sent another woman to deliver a message to the victim on Monday, instructing her to withdraw the rape case against her grandson.

“The message included a threat that the victim would only live for two weeks if she did not comply,” said Ledwaba.

The victim reportedly feared for her safety and opened an intimidation case with police.

Gogo arrested for intimidation

The 75-year-old woman was later located and arrested in Segwashi village on Monday.

She is expected to appear before the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court today (Wednesday) on a charge of intimidation.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe warned that interfering with victims or obstructing justice through intimidation would not be tolerated.

The manhunt for the rape suspect is continuing, while investigations remain ongoing.