South African Teen Appears In Court Over Rape Of 75-Year-Old Woman

A 19-year-old South African teen is expected to appear in the Riversdale Magistrate’s Court today, Wednesday, January 25, 2023, after raping a 75-year-old woman.

Sergeant Christopher Spies, a spokesman for the provincial police in the Southern Cape, said that the 75-year-old victim was at her home in Wilson Street, Riversdale, on Sunday, January 22, when the suspect broke into her flat just before 10 am.

“At about 9.40 am, the suspect, who is known to her, forcefully entered her flat.

He allegedly assaulted the victim before he forced himself unto her and later violated her before he fled the scene.

“The victim managed to raise alarm and neighbours responded who alerted the police,” Spies said.

He said that as soon as police arrived on the scene, the woman was taken to the closest hospital, where she was hospitalised for treatment.

The suspect had fled the scene.

“Riversdale police immediately assembled a team which commenced with a search for the suspect.

“His freedom was short-lived when the members tracked him down on Monday morning January 23.

"The 19-year-old was arrested and remains in police custody,” Spies said.

He said the suspect faced charges of rape and assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm.

“He is expected to make his first court appearance in the Riversdale Magistrates’ court today, on the charges mentioned.

“Violence against women and children remains a top priority for the Western Cape SAPS.

"Therefore, we shall continuously endeavour to bring perpetrators of sexual offences to book,” Spies said.