A man accused of raping a 70-year-old woman in Philippi was nearly beaten to death by enraged residents on Sunday.
The drama unfolded in the same community where 17-year old Amahle Quku was found naked and
murdered on 20 June.
Philippi Community Police Forum secretary, Melikhaya Gadeni, says the suspect who is in his fifties is in hospital under police guard and a rape case has been opened.
He says while the CPF felt people’s anger and pain, they are disappointed that the community took the law into their own hands by beating, kicking, stoning moering the suspect with planks.
“We are disgusted and angry by this and we feel the
community’s pain,” he says.
“Just a week ago we had the incident of Amahle Quku, she is not even buried yet and again we are confronted by another rape matter.”
KILLED: Amahle Quku, 17
According to Gadeni, the suspect is a member of the South African National Defence Force, however this could not be verified on Monday.
Ward 80 councillor Nkululeko Mgolombane says Sunday’s incident took place at Siyahlala informal settlement and he condemned the mob justice attack, saying it’s often criminal elements
egging on the community.
A community member who did not want to be named says they are sick and tired of hearing stories of women and girls being raped, abused and killed in their community.
He says they decided to take the law into their own hands so they can send a message to others; that rape is not tolerated in their area.
RESCUE: Suspect lying in ambulance
“Just last week a man raped and killed Amahle Quku and then this happens again, we want to put a stop to gender-based violence,” the resident tells the Daily Voice.
Leonard Mzingeli, 25, was arrested and charged with the teen’s murder.
Authorities indicated more charges could be added as it is believed the teen was raped.
Police spokesperson
Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana confirmed Sunday’s incident: “A case of rape has been opened for investigation by the Nyanga FCS after a 70-year-old woman was raped by a suspect who was allegedly beaten by community members. The suspect in his fifties was arrested and was taken to hospital for treatment.”
The suspect is due to appear in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court today.