| Police working around the clock to trace rape suspect | |
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| Date Published | |
| 2025/05/18 | |
| Details | |
Media Statement
NELSPRUIT – Police in Schoemansdal have launched a manhunt for a suspect who allegedly raped a 91-year-old woman. The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, 17 May 2025, at approximately 22:00 in Driekoppies near Schoemansdal. According to the information, the elderly victim was at home watching television with her daughter. The daughter reportedly left for church at around 21:00 and ensured all the doors were locked. At around 22:00, while the victim was sitting on her bed taking medication, a man entered her bedroom holding a knife. She recognised him as the neighbour’s son. When she tried to speak to him, he allegedly pushed her onto the bed and instructed her to keep quiet while threatening her with the knife. The suspect then allegedly raped her and fled the scene through a window. When the daughter returned home later that evening, the victim informed her about the ordeal. Upon inspection, the daughter discovered that the lounge window had been forced open, indicating the suspect’s point of entry. The victim was taken to hospital for medical treatment. A case of rape has been opened and members of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit are currently investigating. Police have attempted to trace the suspect but he has not yet been located and remains at large. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has activated a 72-hour mobilisation plan and instructed police to urgently trace and apprehend the suspect. He also appealed to community members to remain calm and allow the law to take its course.
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