Free State – Police arrested a 24-year old man after he allegedly stabbed, robbed and raped a 68-year-old pensioner in her house in Harrismith in the Free State, police said on Tuesday.
The arrest of the suspect, from the Dumping Site section of Intabazwe, near Harrismith, was made by the Phuthaditjhaba Family, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, after police requested that the community assist with any information regarding the incident.
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Mmako Mophiring, in a statement on Tuesday, said that on Sunday, the 68-year-old victim woke up at approximately 2:30am after hearing footsteps in her house.
"The suspect grabbed, allegedly stabbed and raped her. He further robbed her of three cellphones and cash from her business in the same yard. She was admitted to hospital for further treatment," said Mophiring.
Phuthaditjhaba Cluster Commander, Major General, Peter Moloi, said: "The crimes against elderly persons need to be prevented at all costs. It is our priority to defend citizens within this cluster and investigate their cases to the end for justice to prevail. I want to thank and congratulate both members and community for their positive response and giving information which lead to the arrest of the suspect."