South African police have arrested a 29-year-old man who allegedly raped an elderly woman and fell asleep afterwards in Nyavani village, located outside Malamulele in Limpopo Province.
According to police spokesperson Hlulani Mashaba, the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, April 26, 2026.
The suspect allegedly gained entry into the residence of the 89-year-old woman’s room while she was asleep and attacked her after she reportedly told him she had no money.
Authorities said the suspect later fell asleep at the scene, creating an opportunity for the victim to sneak out and raise an alarm.
Her call for help attracted community members who apprehended the intruder and called law enforcement.
Before the police arrived, members of the community reportedly beat up the suspect, nearly killing him. He was stripped naked by some of the mob who insisted on seeing the instrument he used to commit the crime.
Some of the mob reportedly hit him in the groin. He is currently receiving treatment under police guard at a hospital.
Reacting to the incident, Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Thembi Hadebe confirmed the arrest and cautioned residents against taking the law into their own hands, warning that mob justice undermines the rule of law.
The suspect is expected to be arraigned at the Malamulele Magistrate’s Court in the coming days as investigations continue.
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