KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, has expressed shock and dismay at the rape of yet another elderly woman allegedly by an 18-year–old neighbour, saying this represented the worst form of the decline of morals.
Police have confirmed that an 80-year- old woman was raped in her Esigodini home in Pietermaritzburg on Monday, 22 July 2013.
The woman and her grandson had been watching television, but the young boy left to make tea. It is alleged that he (grandson) returned and went into his grandmother's bedroom, found the neighbour raping his grandmother.
The alleged rapist was allegedly assaulted by neighbours, upon which he allegedly confessed that he and the grandson had previously raped the granny together. Both were arrested and will appear soon in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate's Court.
MEC Mchunu yesterday expressed shock and dismay at this incident, saying it was appalling and totally abhorrent.
“The alleged incident raises serious questions about the degree and extent of the erosion of morals and lack of respect in our society. We have recently seen an increase in the number of these diabolical deeds. It is shocking and objectionable,” said Mchunu.
Mchunu said the society needed to undergo a serious soul-searching exercise and move to get to the bottom of the causes of such behaviour.
“Children, women and the elderly are the most valued people in the society. I wonder what has driven our youth to such extremes. Drugs and abuse of alcohol have been found to be key drivers of such behaviour,” said Mchunu.
Mchunu thanked the police for arresting the suspects, saying that he would be watching this matter closely when it goes to court.
Media contact:
Kwanele Ncalane
Cell: 072 803 1462 / 079 699 5755
E-mail: Kwanele.ncalane@kzntransport.gov.za
Sipho Khumalo
Cell: 082 682 6437
E-mail: Sipho.khumalo@comsafety.gov.za
