A 76-year-old granny from Tshikwarani Village outside Louis Trichardt put up an unparalleled, spirited fight that saw her thwart efforts by a 32-year-old suspect who attempted to rape her, following the rejection of his proposal for sex.

Police spokesman for Limpopo province in Vhembe district Captain Mashudu Malelo said the incident occurred on Saturday at around 08:30, while the victim was coming from a shebeen.

"The victim was coming from a local shebeen, when she was confronted by the suspect who then proposed sex to her. The woman refused, however, resulting in the suspect’s forcibly pinning the victim down on the ground," he said.

However, the victim managed to grab the suspect’s penis soon after he had dropped his trousers. Some community members came to the victim’s rescue after they heard the old woman shouting for help. "The suspect was apprehended by members of the community and they eventually handed him over to the police, leading to his arrest," Malelo said.

The suspect, Thomas Ndou, appeared at Tshilwavhusiku magistrate’s court on Monday, facing attempted rape charges. The case was postponed to 16 April. The accused was granted R1 500 bail, which he failed to raise, resulting in his being kept in custody until his next court appearance.