Stand residents have expressed outrage after a 71-year-old woman was raped, allegedly by her grandson.
The 27-year-old man has since been arrested and appeared in the local magistrate’s court.
According to community development and social service practitioner Brendyn Alloys, the incident happened on August 8 but only emerged last Monday.
“The daughter of the elderly woman was cleaning her up when she noticed something was not right.
“She asked her what happened and the grandmother was brave enough to confess that she was sexually violated by the grandson.
“At the time of the incident the grandmother was left alone in the wendy house with minor children and the grandson.
“The elderly woman was taken to hospital, where she was examined by a doctor. The matter was reported to police, the grandson was arrested and appeared in court on Thursday,” said Alloys.
He said the ordeal has affected the grandmother’s health.
“This is a person who was already ill, now her health has deteriorated. She stopped eating and talking.
“The last time I checked, no counselling had been offered yet so I have referred the family to a clinical psychologist,” said Alloys.
Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi confirmed the incident was being investigated with the grandson facing a charge of rape.
“Due to the sensitive nature of this incident this office will not divulge any details pertaining to it.
“However, I can confirm that the suspect, a 27-year-old man, was remanded in custody until August 14.
The matter had been remanded until August 22.
“The first appearance was last week,” said Swartbooi.
Alloys said while they understood that the investigation was ongoing, they were hoping that the accused is also charged with contravention of the Older Persons Act.
“We are angered and frustrated about this horrific incident and no stone must be left unturned.
“This also happened during Women’s Month, when he should have been celebrating and honouring his grandmother. Residents have drafted a petition, which will be submitted to court, calling for no bail.
“We also want social workers to visit the home and probe the living conditions before the grandmother is discharged to check if the environment is safe and good for the sick elderly person because that is a one-room wendy,” said Alloys.
Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais expressed shock at the incident.
“The alleged events are almost unthinkable on a human level. I am pleased that the police arrested the alleged culprit.
“I will be issuing a court watching brief to monitor whether the case is proceeding satisfactorily, so that justice can be done.”
Ilitha Labantu spokesperson Siyabulela Monakali condemned the incident, saying all forms of violence had no place in society especially against the most vulnerable.
“We are angered and heartbroken by this horrific incident. It is a scourge that undermines the very fabric of our communities and must be eradicated with urgency,” he said.
Cape Times