A 75-year-old woman has been arrested in Segwashi village, outside Moria in Limpopo, on charges of intimidation. The elderly gogo allegedly threatened a 36-year-old rape victim who had accused her grandson of the crime. Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba confirmed the details of the case.
The victim was raped on Saturday 25 April while walking home. The suspect, known to her, allegedly attacked her on the roadside. Haenertsburg police visited the suspect’s home the following day but found neither him nor his grandmother. The grandson remains at large and police continue their search.
On Monday 27 April the 75-year-old woman allegedly sent another woman to deliver a direct message to the victim. She demanded that the 36-year-old withdraw the rape case immediately. The chilling warning stated that failure to comply would leave the victim with only two weeks to live. Fearing for her safety the victim promptly opened a separate case of intimidation at Haenertsburg police station.
Officers acted swiftly. They tracked down the elderly woman in Segwashi village on the same day and placed her under arrest. Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe issued a strong warning. Anyone who interferes with victims or attempts to obstruct justice through threats and intimidation will
The incident has drawn attention to the vulnerability of rape survivors in rural areas. Secondary victimisation through family pressure remains a serious concern. Authorities urge members of the public with information on the rape suspect’s whereabouts to contact Haenertsburg police without delay. The 75-year-old suspect is expected to appear in the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court.
