North West Premier Thandi Modise has commended the community for apprehending a suspect for the alleged rape of a 78-year- old granny in Maphoitsile village near Taung. The 31-year old suspect who was handed over to police is expected to appear in the Taung Magistrates Court tomorrow.

In condemning the incident and calling for no bail for the arrested suspect, Premier Modise said that it is shocking that alleged rape committed by a parolee happened on the first day of the 16 Days of activism on no violence against women, children and people with disabilities.

“It is shocking that this despicable act happened to an elderly woman who was known to the alleged perpetrator. We call on our rural communities to unite against the scourge of gender based violence and to take active steps to protect our grannies,” said the Premier.

She said it was clear that South Africa was faced with a very serious problem that needs to be confronted through concerted efforts by all members of society and wiped out.

According to police the granny was gathering firewood when she was allegedly accosted by the suspect and raped at about 2 pm yesterday. The granny told her son about her ordeal who alerted members of the community.

The suspect was subsequently apprehended by members of the community who found him drinking at a shebeen around 8pm.
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