BUSHBUCKRIDGE- A 37-year-old man was remanded in custody after his brief appearance at the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 10 February for allegedly raping a 60-year-old pensioner.
The suspect, Phanuel Hlabane was arrested on Friday night, after allegedly raping the victim in Hlamalani near Bushbuckridge.
The victim is said to have left her house to drop off some items in the vicinity, and while returning, she encountered the suspect, who is familiar to her. It is alleged that the Hlabane then subsequently raped the victim.
Based on reports, the victim’s grandson, who was searching for the victim during the incident, found the suspect in the act of allegedly raping his grandmother. It is alleged that the suspect then fled the scene.
READ | Pensioner raped by 37 year-old man
One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, and had come in support of the victim, raised a concern about the ongoing sexual violence perpetrated against children and women.
“I am so heart-broken about the incident, women and children are not safe. We are living in fear everyday because something might happen to you at anytime” she said.
Mpumalanga Mirror’s efforts to get a comment from the family members were futile. The suspect is expected back in court on February 17, for a formal bail application.
