Suku Makhubela (42) made his first appearance in court yesterday (Wednesday) following his arrest at the beginning of the week.

Makhubela will reappear before the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court next Thursday for his formal bail application.

He is accused of raping a 77-year-old elderly woman in Tsantsabela Village during the early hours of Monday morning.

Limpopo Provincial Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the victim was allegedly asleep when the suspect broke into her house at around 01:00.
The woman was reportedly awakened during the break-in and noticed a man, who is known to her, who allegedly grabbed her by the neck and raped her.

The woman managed to call for help from members of the community following the ordeal, and they called the police. The suspect was then traced and arrested.

Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers condemned the incident and lauded the members for their swift response and arrest of the suspect. Scheepers indicated that crimes against vulnerable groups, especially women and the elderly, remain a top priority for the police, “We urge communities to continue working with the police to ensure that perpetrators of such heinous crimes are brought to justice.”

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