2nd attack in 2 months: Daughter fears for safety of blind mother
The attacks were reportedly carried out by the same group of men and cases of rape, house robbery and burglary are being investigated by the Seshego police.
POLOKWANE – The daughter of a 53-year-old blind woman who was attacked in her home by two men in Seshego Zone 1 says she fears for her mother’s safety.
Eva Nkoana, whose video about her mother, Maite’s attacks went viral on social media recently, details how her mother was raped, tortured with weapons and nearly drowned in her bath.
Nkoana says the first attack occured on 5 December 2020 when her mother was physically tortured and the second attack, by the same men, on 4 February 2021, which led to her pension money and other valuables being stolen.
“We are hurting as a family and fear for our mother’s safety. She cannot see and needs all the help she can get to get around the house to do her daily activities and chores. With the first attack, we felt the police could have done more to assist because we were only assisted the following morning,” she explained.
Nkoana says the suspects left a wallet behind after the first attack and a case was opened. Her mother’s attack has garnered assistance from both the Women Taking Back Safety (WTBS) non-profit organisation as well as the Department of Social Development, which Nkoana says she is grateful for.
Adele van der Linde, a member of the non-profit organisation Women Taking Back Safety, told BONUS that it is heartbreaking to come across incidents like these, which are committed especially towards the vulnerable who need to be kept safe at all times.
“When we saw the video, we felt compelled to do something. We followed up with the police and the department to check how far they are with the investigation as we believe justice must be served. Both institutions told us that they are attending to the matter and will provide feedback,” she explained.
Social Development Spokesperson, Witness Tiva told BONUS that social workers were immediately assigned to assist the family with psycho-social support, to help them heal from the ordeal.
“We condemn violence against women and children in the community at all cost, which is why we are working closely with the police and other institutions to help fight social injustices and problems like these.”
He said the one-stop centre, Thuthuzela Care Centre, was established at local clinics and hospitals, where victims of similar crimes can go to be assisted.
“Through the one-stop centre, we are able to assign a social worker as well as a police official to assist the victim in whatever way she may need, so that she does not have to go from one place to another to be assisted.”
Limpopo Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo confirmed that both crimes were reported and cases opened at the Seshego Police Station.
No arrests have been made yet.
“The task team, led by a senior officer, has been established to run the investigation and strong leads are being followed up. Charges of rape and house robbery were opened for the first attack and a case of burglary for the second attack. These are currently being investigated,” he said.
