Fear grips Elim residents after three rape cases are reported

Residents of Elim are living in fear after three women were allegedly raped by unknown suspects on 13 and 16 July. Two females, aged 18 and 29, were reportedly raped and robbed at a rental house, while a 56-year-old woman was raped and severely stabbed.

Residents held a mass meeting on 18 July, blaming Waterval Police Station officers for failing to curb crime in Elim and surrounding areas. The following day, they held a peaceful march to the police station after learning that the suspect in the elderly woman’s case had been released due to insufficient evidence.

The 18- and 29-year-old victims were asleep when three suspects, armed with firearms and a shovel, broke into their home.

Concerned residents expressed worry over the increasing crime and frequent gunshots heard day and night. They claim that police response is slow, often citing a lack of vehicles.

The elderly woman was reportedly stabbed in the hands and face before being raped, leading her to collapse in the street near her home. Her family claimed that some flesh from her hands was removed. They said that since the incident, they have been living in fear. Following the incident, the elderly woman was admitted to Elim Hospital and discharged on 21 July.

Vhembe police spokesperson Sgt Vuledzani Dathi confirmed both incidents, stating that the suspects first demanded belongings such as money, shoes, bags, cell phones, and groceries.

“During the first incident, two females were raped by two suspects and were taken to Elim Hospital for treatment. The elderly woman was stabbed and seriously injured. She was taken to the hospital but refused a sexual assault examination. The suspects remain unknown, and the investigation is ongoing,” Dathi said.

Anyone with information that could assist the police may contact Sergeant Thilivhali Mulaudzi at 079 894 5463 or Captain Mabunda at 082 565 7901.

Date:25 July 2024

By: Thembi Siaga

Thembi Siaga started as an intern during 2021. He assisted with video photography and editing. He also produced numerous small documentaries, focusing on the Vhembe region and its people. Currently he works as a freelance journalist, covering stories in the Elim area. Thembi studied at the Tshwane University of Technology, where he completed his diploma in Journalism in 2021.

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