Residents have been warned to avoid a “dangerous” field in Danville, which is often used by pedestrians and bus commuters.
This after two women were viciously attacked in separate incidents at the open stretch of land between Dan Street and the Magalies freeway.
Proclamation Hill resident Belinda Botha and Danville resident Isabel Beukes were attacked last week Monday and this week Monday, respectively.
ALSO READ: Metro vows to clean Danville alleys
Both victims are employees of Volkshulp 2000 in Queenswood and it was suspected that both were assaulted by the same attacker.
In the latest attack, Beukes was attacked around 06:00 in the morning this week while waiting for a bus. When it did not show up, she walked through the field to get to the next bus stop.
“On her way across the field, a man walked past her,” said executive director of Volkshulp 2000 Corrie du Plessis.
“After a turn in the footpath, she heard running footsteps behind her and the man knocked her over.
“While she was on the ground, she held onto her handbag – kicking and fighting back,” Du Plessis said.
“The criminal kicked her in the face and grabbed her feet. The attacker also pulled out a large clump of hair from her head.”
Du Plessis said Beukes’ ribs were injured and she had cuts on her arm.
Botha was attacked – and almost raped – at the same field last week Monday.
She was also waiting for the bus when the attack happened at around 18:47.
ALSO READ: Danville residents shut down ‘troublesome’ alley
While waiting, a man dragged Botha from the road to the open field after she also did not let go of her handbag.
After she was dragged into the grassy area, the attacker grabbed for her pants, possibly to rape her.
She let go of her belongings for her own safety, upon which the criminal fled.
“I remember crawling out of the tall grass towards the highway because I simply could not walk,” she said.
Fortunately, a passer-by spotted her and helped.
Botha revisited the field with Rekord only a week-and-half after the attack.
“It is the first time I came back to the field since I was attacked,” she said.
ALSO READ: Drug addicts and vagrants ‘out of control’ in Danville
Botha said the tall grass at the field served as a hideaway for robbers.
“This field is dangerous,” she said. “It is a breeding ground for criminals.”
Cases had been opened at the local police station, but police and the metro had not yet given comment at the time of going to print.
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
