A MEREBANK woman, who says she was attacked by a man who had intentions of raping her on a pathway metres away from her home, appeals to residents to be vigilant and not walk alone after dark.
Diana* said she left her home at 22:00 on Tuesday, March 29, and was accompanied by her 57-year-old neighbour, who walked with her to a friend’s home to fetch documents.
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“We reached the pathway near Warangal Road, which is a shortcut and not a well-lit area. My neighbour was walking behind me. Suddenly, I felt a blow to my face. Not realising I was being attacked, I felt another strike to my face. I was pushed to the ground and I fell on my back. The man was on top of me and I knew he was going to rape me. I felt several different emotions, including fear and rage. I screamed as loud as I could, and he began to choke me and pinned me to the ground. With his other hand, he was trying to open my jeans. I thanked God that I had worn jeans that night, even though it was warm. I needed God to protect me that night. I did not want to be a rape victim,” said Diana.
The screams of the 41-year-old woman, coupled with kicks and punches she threw at her attacker to stop him from pulling off her jeans, led him to give up and escape into the dark. Diana was helped by her pensioner neighbour.
She said the attacker assaulted and shoved away the elderly man as he was walked behind her before he attacked her, and was thankful that he had not been severely injured in the process.
She was assisted by community leader, Yusuf Vawda, who helped her seek medical treatment for the injuries she suffered during the attack.
“We are shocked by the incident which took place in our close-knit community. Residents need to be more aware of their surroundings at all times. This incident has sent shock waves in the vicinity of Parbhani and Warangal roads and will not be taken lightly. It is disturbing to know that the victim was attacked by a known person, who is a resident of the community. The perpetrator will be brought to book if arrested. I am proud of the victim for coming forward to create awareness with regard to the incident, which could save the life of another woman. We commend the victim for being courageous. Despite her trauma, she was brave enough to share her experience to benefit other residents. We appeal to residents to come forward with any information regarding this matter so that the necessary actions can be taken according to the law. All victims of any type of crime should report incidents to the police so that a case can be opened,” Vawda said.
Residents should walk in groups of more than two people and added that she was thankful she did not experience the full cruelty of the man’s intentions.
She will undergo trauma counselling and has plans to enroll in self-defense classes to ensure that she is properly equipped to handle herself in dangerous situations.
A comment from Wentworth SAPS could not be obtained by the time of going to print.
*Name changed to protect the identity of the victim.
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