NELSPRUIT: A 25-year-old suspect, initially arrested for the burglary, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, and rape of an 83-year-old woman, has been rearrested for allegedly committing similar crimes against a 77-year-old woman.
The suspect is scheduled to appear before the Dientjie Periodical Court tomorrow, Tuesday, 09 July 2024, to face the new charges.
According to reports, the suspect allegedly broke into the 77-year-old granny’s house on Wednesday night, 03 July 2024, in Dikweteng village, Dientjie. He brutally assaulted the vulnerable woman and repeatedly raped her over two days. The granny managed to summon help on Friday, 05 July 2024.
The suspect reportedly fled before community members could respond to her call for assistance. The incident was immediately reported to the police, who launched an investigation leading to his arrest in Ohristad on Sunday, 07 July 2024.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had previously raped and stabbed an 83-year-old granny in March 2024 at Didimala village, Dientjie. He was out on R1000 bail for those charges. Tragically, the 83-year-old victim succumbed to her injuries in May after being hospitalized.
The 77-year-old victim is currently recovering in the hospital from her injuries.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, expressed deep concern over the incident. “The suspect’s actions are really disturbing, and we will make sure that the incident is thoroughly investigated to ensure justice is served for our elderly citizens,” he stated.
