MARLOTH PARK – The latest in a series of attacks occurred on Sunday at 21:00, when a woman was lured out of her home, attacked and robbed.
A friend of the victim told Corridor Gazette that she had heard a noise outside and, thinking it was a warthog or one of the numerous animals roaming the area, went outside to investigate.
She was pulled over the balcony railings and assaulted by an unknown man, who pinned her down and demanded money.
The suspect fled with the her cellphone.
Despite the pain of an old shoulder injury aggravated by the fall, she managed to get help and was rushed to Rob Ferreira Hospital in Mbombela. The incident was reported to the police and a case opened.
The victim’s friend stated that community members needed to be more security conscious. “Even though it’s the bush, it’s not safe. Lots of people live in isolation here and aren’t aware of the danger.”
Another resident was also assaulted on Saturday night. She was heading home from a local restaurant when a man attempted to rape her upon her arrival at her house.
She managed to fight him off and he fled. She suspected that he had followed her home and waited until she was most vulnerable.
Ms Amanda de Swardt, volunteer and trauma counsellor at the Malelane SAPS Victim Empowerment Centre, investigated the incidents and referred to a rape in Marloth Park, which was reported at Komatipoort SAPS on May 28.
Corridor Gazette reported on another incident of attempted rape, when the Mattheus couple was attacked while relaxing in their pool one evening in March. (Read about it here.)
De Swardt urged victims of rape to immediately contact the police or someone who can do so on their behalf.
It is also imperative not to disturb the crime scene as it may yield clues to the suspect’s identity.
She stated that it was very important that victims be examined by a doctor and get the correct medication to prevent HIV and pregnancy.
“It’s important that victims don’t just let it slide. They should report any rape or attempted rape, as this can help catch the perpetrators before they attack anyone else. They don’t have to make a statement immediately, while they’re in a severly traumatised state, they can have someone like me make a short statement on their behalf and do it themselves later, once they’ve calmed down.”
Residents were warned not to investigate strange noises outside at night, but to rather contact their security company or local police station about any suspicious activity or persons.
