Tshwane – The Tswane Crime Stop Movement has brought to light a disturbing case of alleged police inaction following the reported rape of a 72-year-old disabled man in Soshanguve, north of Tshwane. The community is now expressing outrage over the handling of the case.
According to reports, the pensioner was allegedly raped by six men from the Small View Informal Settlement in Extension 10. The perpetrators are said to have threatened the victim's life, forcing him to endure the abuse in silence for a harrowing 18 months.
A family friend, Annan Thuntsi, told Daily Sun that the victim's behaviour underwent a drastic change following the alleged assaults. She stated that he became isolated, withdrawn, and his overall health deteriorated significantly.
"He eventually confided in his caretaker at an old age home, where he was moved for his safety. I personally saw blood stains on his behind and when I asked him about it, he said I should let it go as it might get him in trouble and everyone in the community," she said.
Thuntsi explained that the decision to move the victim to an old age home, in consultation with his sister, was made when his health deteriorated. "There, he spoke to his caretaker, and I was told six guys forced themselves on him and his life was threatened. This broke me,” she said.
The community reported the incident to the Akasia Police Station, but they claim the pensioner was allegedly told by a constable that he "did not have a case".
"The police failed us drastically. Even the minister of police said it during a visit to the families of killed patrollers that police are failing communities – it's true,” Thuntsi lamented.
When questioned about the alleged constable, Gauteng police spokeswoman Lieutenant-Colonel Dimakatso Nevhehuli denied the officer's existence when provided with the surname. She requested the pensioner's contact information to investigate the alleged misconduct.
“Can the news crew please provide us with the victim's contact numbers or physical address so that the station commander can make contact with him to assist further and also trace the alleged member to enable internal disciplinary processes to unfold,” said Nevhehuli.
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