MAKONDE - A 24-year-old woman became an instant heroine to her fellow villagers, after she overpowered a would-be rapist last week on Monday. After exchanging several blows with the man, he ran for his life, although he left his gray woolen hat behind. He is still on the loose.

The incident took place at Makonde Village, about 40km north of Thohoyandou.

Avhasei Ndou proved that women are no longer easy prey for cruel men who forcefully satisfy their sexual desire on poor women who cannot defend themselves. Ndou, a single mother of two, said she was asleep at about midnight, when she heard a soft knock at the window of her bedroom and a male voice begging her to open the door.

“I asked who it was and at first he said his name was Shavhani. He changed his tune and said his name was Mulalo. I refused to open for him, whereupon he broke the windowpane and gained entrance into my bedroom. I couldn’t recognise his face clearly, because the candlelight was not very bright. I only recognised that he had a white-striped T-shirt and a black pair of trousers. He came straight to me and tried to force himself on me without saying a word. I gathered some courage and grabbed his throat and he started to assault me. I fought back while screaming for help and when neighbours came to my rescue, he was already gone, leaving his gray wool hat behind.”

Avhasei said her neighbours tried to look for the man around the village, but they could not find him because it was dark. Although the matter was reported to the police, local community members say they will not rest until the suspect is caught and brought to book.

Mr Khathutshelo Nemudzivhadi (31) of Makonde Policing Forum said the local community do not support any form of criminal activities and they will work hard to create a crime-free environment in the village. “We strongly condemn this type of behaviour and we going to work hand in hand with the police until the suspect is arrested.”

The Communication Officer of the Thohoyandou SAPS, Insp Nkanukeni Raedani, confirmed that the matter had been reported to the police and he said investigations were continuing. “We hope to make an arrest soon and we request community members who have other information to contact us.”