A 65-year-old pensioner in Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa was subjected to a robbery and sexual assault by a group of men who broke into her house just hours before a funeral service for a loved one.
During the attack, her 15-year-old grandchild was also stabbed multiple times. The incident took place early on Saturday, July 13, at Bergman Square. According to police spokesperson Sgt. Mahlomola Kareli, the woman and her relatives were resting at home after preparing overnight for the burial.
“While in their bedrooms, they heard sounds of someone breaking the door, and three unknown males armed with knives stormed into the house, going straight to the 65-year-old’s bedroom demanding money,” Kareli said.
The suspects took the cash they found on the elderly woman, and one of them raped her inside the house before dragging her outside and assaulting her again. The 15-year-old boy, who was sleeping with the woman, was stabbed in the head and arm.
Despite the horrific attack, the woman managed to scream for help, prompting neighbors to come to her rescue, though the suspects had already fled the scene. Police were then called to the location.
Kareli urged the public to provide any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects. A case of house r0bbery and rape has been opened.
“No arrests have been made yet. Anyone with information on the suspects’ whereabouts is requested to contact Det-Sgt. Nombi Peter of the Mangaung Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offenses Unit at 083 383 6969, or call the Police Crimeline at 0860010111, or submit an anonymous tip via the MySaps App,” he said.
