Elderly rape victim from KZN succumbs to injuries
The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development Nonhlanhla Khoza has vowed to support the family of an 84-year-old women who has died from injuries she suffered during a rape ordeal.
Sophie Mbhele, who succumbed to her injuries over the weekend, was admitted at a local hospital two weeks ago.
In a statement on Tuesday the department says Mbhele was raped while she was asleep in her home.
"She was raped by a 21-year-old man who forcefully entered her house while she was asleep in Esibizane Village at Newtonville location M, under Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma Local Municipality.
"The man fell asleep after raping Mbhele and he was caught by neighbours in the victim’s bed sleeping naked."
MEC Khoza says Mbhele she was assaulted by a man who is the same age as her grandchildren.
"There are no words that can comfort them at this stage as they are going through such a tough time. However, we want to give them assurance that our team of social workers will remain with the family.
"Older persons are supposed to have hope when they see young boys growing in our villages that one day they will their protectors. However, social ills, associated with drug abuse, lead to these traumatic incidents.
"The man who sexually assaulted Mbhele must remain in prison. We don't want to see this young man roaming our streets. He is a danger to society.”
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