Grandparents arrested for alleged rape

SHOCKED Manguzi residents are grappling to come to terms with the arrest of an elderly couple who reportedly raped their 12-year-old grandchild last week.

Skhotha Mathambo, believed to be in his 70’s, and his wife Hluphekile Ndlazi (52) were arrested by police on Wednesday, but were released on Thursday after their appearance at Manguzi Magistrates Court.

They are believed to have jointly abused the girl at their home, with the grandmother pressing her on the ground while the man raped her.

According to the victim’s statement to the police, she was asked to check leaks from the outside tap, and when she returned to the house there was a grass mat on the floor. She said the grandmother demanded her to strip naked and lie down on the mat, and when she refused the woman slapped her and pushed her on the ground.

It was reported the elderly woman held the defenceless girl on the floor throughout the ordeal.

They were reportedly interrupted when a visitor entered the house.

A case was then reported at Manguzi SAPS and moved to the FCS unit.

In a surprising twist, the grandfather denied abusing the girl, saying he has suffered from erectile dysfunction for four years.

Even though the couple were released from police custody and their case not enrolled by the prosecutor, a doctor’s examination confirmed virginal penetration on the victim.

According to police spokesperson, Capt Jabulani Mdletshe, more forensic investigation is being conducted, with samples from the victim taken to Pretoria for more testing.

Two days after the alleged incident, the girl’s mother told national news her daughter was struggling to move past what had happened.

She said the victim is traumatised and can’t concentrate on her school work.

The victim is currently being monitored by her mother and on medication to prevent any possible sexual transmitted infections.