In South Africa, August has been officially declared as Women's Month. However, an 85-year-old woman was raped at a time when the country is celebrating the worth, the work of women and the contribution which women continue to make in society.

The woman, who resides at Ramantsha in the Sinthumule area, was reportedly coming from a church service in Madombidzha village. She was using a shortcut, which snakes along the bushes, so she could reach her destination on time. Unfortunately for her, a man appeared behind her.

When she turned round to see what the footsteps were all about, she saw a man holding a knife in one hand and an iron rod in the other. According to the Tshilwavhusiku police's spokesperson, Const Munyadziwa Marindi, the unknown suspect demanded money from the woman. “She replied that she didn't have money with her,” said Marindi. “But the suspect continued to search her, although he couldn't find any money.”

Marindi stated further that the man then started undressing the victim until she was stark naked. He allegedly commanded her to lie down on the bare gravel and raped her. “The suspect is unknown and we ask members of the public to supply us with information which might shed more light on this case,” Marindi said.

The managing director of Munna ndi Nnyi, Mr Bardwell Mufunwaini, condemned the act of rape and said that it was unwelcome in a society where women should be respected and celebrated for their social roles. "Anyone who commits such a dastardly crime is not a real man. We want the police to arrest the culprit and lock him up," said Mufunwaini. "Whoever did that ill act to the aged lady needs to be removed totally from society."