LEBOWAKGOMO – Following the rape of a 67-year-old woman in the early hours of last Sunday morning, the police have warned women of all ages to be alert, cautious and not to trust strangers.
According to Lebowakgomo police spokesperson, Capt Mamphaswa Seabi, the pensioner who lived alone was asleep when someone knocked on her door at about 03:00.
The woman apparently recognised the voice of the person and opened the door, he said.
When she opened the door, the alleged rapist overpowered her and entered her home.
Seabi said the 28-year-old suspect allegedly forced himself on the woman and raped her.
“The man is a resident of the village that the elderly woman lives in. He fled the scene after he allegedly raped the woman.
“The woman called her relatives for help and the relatives called the police.
“The suspect was arrested on Tuesday.
“He appeared before the Thambamoopo magistrate’s court the same day and the case was postponed for seven days, where after the suspect will do a formal bail application,” Seabi said.
He further advised people not to leave the elderly of their communities alone.
“For their own safety, elderly people should live with a relative or any other trustworthy person who will take care of them and protect them from harm. We also urge residents not to open their doors to anyone at night. Always report any suspicious movement to the police,” Seabi said.
Still in Lebowakgomo, the police are looking for an unknown man who allegedly raped a teenage girl in a shack behind the Lebowakgomo stadium in zone F.
The incident occurred at about 13:30 last Saturday afternoon.
The 18-year-old victim and a friend were at her home when an unknown man approached them and promised to buy them some items at the local shopping complex.
“The young women went with the man to the shopping complex.
“On arrival at the shopping complex, the man asked the 18-year-old to go with him behind the stadium. The two left the woman’s friend at the complex.
When they arrived behind the stadium the man took the girl into a shack where he allegedly raped her and left her there,” Seabi said.
After the incident, the teenager went to the nearest police station to report the matter and she was taken to hospital.
“Women should not speak to strangers or go to places with men they do not know.
“Unknown men can be dangerous and potential rapist or murders.
“Do not take things from strangers and do not go with a stranger to isolated places where there is no one to hear your call for help,” Seabi advised.
