A 56-year-old woman from Ngwenani, outside Thohoyandou, narrowly escaped with her life after being attacked by a wanted fugitive last week.
Ms Azwindini Nethengwe said she was alone at home preparing to lock her gate and garage when a man known to her jumped over the wall and confronted her. The incident occurred on Wednesday, 25 June, at around 17:00.
"He ordered me to keep quiet and demanded money. I gave him R2,000 and my cell phone. He tied my hands and feet, gagged me with my jersey, and ransacked the house," she said. "It was the longest, coldest night of my life. I only managed to free myself around 07:00 the next morning."
Nethengwe said the attacker had also stolen toiletries, a small radio and a knife before fleeing.
The suspect, identified as Mmbambadzeni Justice Themeli of Ngwenani, is also wanted in connection with the brutal attack on 80-year-old Ms Annah Ragau of Lwamondo. Ragau was assaulted in her home recently and later died in hospital.
Community leader Vhavenda Vho Nnditsheni Themeli said residents were shocked and had resolved to work with the police to find the fugitive. Senior traditional leader Khosi Vho Tshinyiwaho Themeli also condemned the incident.
Police spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi confirmed that Themeli is being sought in connection with both attacks. "We urge Mmbambadzeni Justice Themeli to hand himself over or contact investigating officers Const Rhandzu Mabedle on (079) 849-6309 or Capt Sydney Dama at (082) 469-1035," Dathi said.