In a bizarre incident at Tshavhalovhedzi in the Siloam area, a would-be rapist got more than he bargained for when his victim bit off one of his fingers before escaping.
The attack happened last Friday at about 19:00 in the bushes between Tshavhalovhedzi and Siloam. The 29-year-old victim, from Siloam, cannot be named for legal reasons.
She said she had planned to visit her child in Tshavhalovhedzi but was delayed.
"I stood waiting for transport at a bus stop along the R523. It was getting late, so I started walking to the village. That's when I came across a man who said he was concerned about my safety as it was already dark. Suddenly, he grabbed me and pushed me into the bushes near a car wash. He undressed me but couldn't unzip his trousers," she said.
She started screaming, prompting the attacker to cover her mouth.
"That's when I bit his hand and bit off one of his fingers. Residents who heard my screams came closer, and he fled. He didn't take anything from me," she said.
The woman said she believed divine intervention had saved her. "I was about to give up, but then I had a vision to bite his hand," she said. "I ran to the road, standing in shock in the middle of it. Fortunately, nearby villagers came to my aid. To all women out there, I say: do not go out alone in the dark - it's not safe."
SAPS Vhembe spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi confirmed the incident, saying an attempted rape investigation was underway.
"The suspect is unknown at this stage, but police are investigating. Anyone with information that could assist in tracing the suspect can contact the investigating officer, Sgt Nemafhohoni of the Thohoyandou Family Violence and Child Protection Unit, at (079) 517-2502," he said.
As for the missing finger, the woman said she had no idea what had happened to it. She was too afraid to go back and look.