A 28-year-old man will spend the rest of his life behind bars after raping a 101-year-old woman in ZaaiPlaas Limpopo.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the incident took place at Sehlakoana village. On the night of July 26, 2024, the 101-year-old victim went to bed with her doors and windows securely locked.
The following morning, July 27, 2024, at around 05:00, an intruder forced his way into her bedroom while she was still asleep.
"The suspect forcibly restrained the victim, ordered her to remain quiet, undressed her, and raped her. After committing the heinous crime, the accused escaped through a window."
Ledwaba added that after the attack, the elderly victim called for help, and her nephew immediately went after the suspect.
The breakthrough came through the meticulous work of Warrant Officer Victoria Phala from the Groblersdal FCS Unit, who not only tracked down and arrested the accused, but also secured DNA evidence that tied him directly to the crime.
The suspect, Johannes Abram Mahlangu, was convicted of rape and handed a life sentence. In addition, Ledwaba confirmed that Mahlangu received a further three-year sentence for housebreaking.
Meanwhile, Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the investigating officer, and everyone who participated for their dedication in ensuring that justice was served and further reiterated that crimes against the elderly will be treated with the utmost seriousness.
The Star
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