A 64-year-old woman, known affectionately as "gogo" within her community, has been subjected to a brutal rape inside her shack in Stinkwater, Hammanskraal, Tshwane. The harrowing incident, which occurred on Sunday, 27 April 2025, has ignited outrage and a fervent demand for justice within the local community.
The victim, still reeling from the trauma, recounted her ordeal. She said that she was asleep when the attack took place. Although it was dark, she recalls seeing a giant man with a large build and sizable hands. "I'm still traumatised and weak. I need justice," she said, her voice heavy with pain and a desperate plea for accountability. She added that she would not be able to identify her attacker.
According to the gogo, the man not only violated her but also stole her towel, which he used to wipe himself. "The man raped me and stole my towel he was using to wipe himself," she stated, the indignity of the act adding to the profound trauma she has endured.
Following the assault, the traumatised gogo made the difficult decision to leave her one-roomed shack, seeking refuge in North West province. She no longer feels safe in her home after the horrific ordeal.
A community member provided further details about the circumstances surrounding the rape. According to her, the perpetrator gained entry into the gogo's shack by removing a zinc sheet on the side of the structure using a crowbar while she was asleep. "What happened to gogo is very painful and evil. He deserves to rot in jail for his whole life," she said, expressing the collective anger and disgust felt by the community.
The worried gogo further disclosed that "He took gogo's cellphone and called someone and said I got dulas. The man even stole gogo's 9kg gas cylinder." She added that they only discovered the rape the following morning, noting that the man had also broken the gogo's door during the intrusion. "We suspect the rapist gained entry through the fence as the gate was locked," she explained, indicating the extent to which the perpetrator had planned and executed the crime.
Community leader Bertwell Cele voiced the community's collective outrage and determination to seek justice for the victim. "We want justice for the gogo. We were shocked about this evil incident," he said, reflecting the widespread disbelief and anger that has gripped the community.
The incident has once again brought to the forefront the issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa, a pervasive problem that continues to plague the nation. The country has one of the highest rates of sexual violence in the world, with women and girls disproportionately affected. Factors such as poverty, inequality, unemployment, and social norms that condone violence against women contribute to the high prevalence of GBV.
In response to the escalating crisis of GBV, the South African government has implemented various measures, including enacting stricter laws, establishing specialised courts, and launching awareness campaigns. However, these efforts have been met with limited success, and GBV remains a significant challenge.
The police are appealing to the community for any information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrator. Gauteng Police spokeswoman Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed that "A case of rape has been opened, no arrest has been made yet. Investigation is continuing."
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