A community in Limpopo is reeling in shock after a 22 year old allegedly raped and assaulted a 70-year old pensioner..The incident allegedly took place at Rotterdam Village yesterday in the early hours, just after midnight.

SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the victim was asleep with her two minor grandchildren when she was woken up by someone knocking on the door.

"The suspect ,who stays in the same neighbourhood as the victim, requested a place to sleep and alleged that he travelled from Gauteng and on arrival, he discovered that his house was already locked,"said Mashaba.

He added that immediately after the suspect entered the house, he started to assault the victim with his hands and further used a knife and panga until she became weak and defenceless. That?s when the perpetrator raped the woman and afterwards robbed her of a cellphone and clothes.

Mashaba said the victim?s grandchildren screamed for help and the community swiftly responded but the suspect managed to flee from the scene.

"Police and Medical Emergency Services were alerted.The victim was transported to hospital for medical treatment. The 22-year-old suspect was traced and arrested at his home shortly after the incident,"said Mashaba.

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe expressed shock and said, " The safety and well-being of all residents, especially our most vulnerable citizens, is of paramount importance. Such acts of violence are not only criminal but also a gross violation of human dignity and respect. We call upon the community to stand together against such abhorrent acts and we must reaffirm our commitment to creating a safe and secure environment for everyone in our province."

The suspect is expected to appear before the Tiyani Magistrates Court on Monday, facing charges of rape and assault .