“I now live with an intense fear of people, not knowing what they are capable of. But I also don’t want to be alone, knowing of the dangers that lurk.”
With these words a 55-year-old woman voiced the “catch 22” she finds herself in following a traumatic home invasion.
“They broke in, beat me and raped me, and destroyed my home,” said the emotional victim, recalling her terrible ordeal.
The incident occurred in Sir Lowry’s Pass on Wednesday 16 February, when five suspected robbers targeted the resident who lives alone on a farm with her two dogs.
The victim, who preferred to remain anonymous, recalled still tidying up after burglars pounced the previous Sunday. She explained they had gained access to her place by breaking in through the roof. “I believe they ransacked my house around midmorning. I came home to complete chaos around 16:30 that afternoon. My ceiling was damaged, there was water all over the place, as they had ripped out copper piping attached to the geyser, and items missing include cooking utensils, kitchen appliances and valuable antiques, taken as loot.”
Mere days later, on Wednesday, the homeowner was surprised by five robbers who forced open her back door. “While tidying up the last of Sunday’s mess, I heard a crash – which was my back door being ripped off its hinges completely – followed by the dogs barking. I rushed from the room through to the kitchen, where I found the armed intruders. There was no way to escape, nowhere to run.
“After they attacked me I ran to another room, where I jumped through a window and ran to the satellite police station for help.”
Sergeant Suzan Jantjies, spokesperson for the Somerset West police, confirmed the incident, saying five suspects armed with knives had swooped on the victim, who was sexually assaulted and robbed. She said the suspects fled the scene with a cellphone and food.
Police were investigating a case of robbery and rape, and urged anyone with information that may result in the suspects’ apprehension to contact the investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer Nolan Fischer at the Somerset West Police Station on 021 850 1344.
Following the crime, the victim implored other vulnerable locals to try and stay safe.
“This is something I do not want to happen to anyone else,” she said.
“It is absolutely horrifying and ghastly.”
The victim further expressed having difficulty sleeping after the incident, and added she received counselling afterwards, which helped her deal with the harsh reality she was facing.
Reinette Evans, director of Rape Crisis Helderberg, confirmed this incident is one of 41 new reported cases for December to February. She said cases had increased significantly following more relaxed Covid regulations and lockdowns. Before, four or five cases were reported in a single month.
“Most of these cases are incidents of crime – a woman who was attacked during a burglary or robbery, or even while walking to or from work,” said Evans.
“It is just terrible, and so sad. I don’t know what’s wrong with society’s men, but I am glad that we are here to help women who fall prey to incidents of rape.”
Furthermore, Evans implored young girls and women to refrain from hitchhiking, which leave them vulnerable.
