ZAAIPLAAS, LIMPOPO – A wave of anger and outrage has swept through the community of Zaaiplaas in Limpopo, following the alleged rape and attempted strangulation of a 101-year-old woman. The alleged perpetrator, a 27-year-old man, appeared for the second time in a makeshift court in Zaaiplaas on Thursday, 8 August, facing charges of housebreaking and rape.
The incident, which occurred on 27 July, has left the community shaken and fearful for the safety of their elderly residents. The alleged attack took place at the victim's home in Zaaiplaas Village, near Groblersdal. The suspect is accused of breaking into the elderly woman's home, waking her up, and attempting to strangle her before allegedly raping her. He then fled the scene.
The victim, thankfully, has been taken to a safe location, while the suspect was apprehended at his home after a resident noticed him fleeing from the scene.
The courtroom, a mobile container, was packed with residents eager to witness the proceedings. The magistrate presided over the case, using an office chair and desk as a makeshift bench. The accused was scheduled to apply for bail, and the case has been postponed to 15 August to allow the accused to apply for Legal Aid SA representation.
The accused who raped a 101-year-old gogo made a second appearance Zaaiplaas Periodical court in Limpopo today. Video by Ntebatse Masipa
#dailysun#snl24#zaaiplaasrapecase pic.twitter.com/EBi2JlGAOU— Ntebatse Masipa (@ntebatse_SNL24) August 8, 2024
Outside the court, the atmosphere was charged with anger and frustration. Residents expressed their disgust and outrage, with one person shouting: “You raped your gogo, you dog. You have cursed yourself."
The incident has left many elderly residents feeling vulnerable and unsafe. Lina Mathibela, a resident of Zaaiplaas, expressed her concern for the safety of the elderly in the community.
“Most of the elderly are staying alone because their children are working in cities, and for something like this to happen, we ask if we are ever safe," she said.
Following the attack, residents have come together to plan a neighbourhood watch to deter future incidents and protect their community.
The accused, clad in a jacket turned inside out due to dirt, appeared in court with a stoic expression. He was escorted by police officers, his face hidden from the cameras.
