Four Arrested After Disabled Khayelitsha Woman Allegedly Raped In Front Of Young Son

A 43-year-old wheelchair user in Khayelitsha was allegedly raped inside her home while her five-year-old son was present, prompting her family to call for justice and oppose bail for the four suspects arrested in connection with the case.

Police arrested four men aged between 19 and 21 in Harare, Khayelitsha, on Friday, 11 September. The suspects appeared in the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court on Monday facing rape charges.

Police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala confirmed the arrests. “This office confirms that four suspects were arrested. Two of them are 21, while the others are 19 and 20.”

Khayelitsha Rape Case: Four Young Men Arrested

The Khayelitsha rape case relates to an alleged attack on the woman at about 9pm on 27 August. A relative, who cannot be named because of the sensitive nature of the matter, said the suspects allegedly gained entry to the house through a window.

The woman was reportedly alone at home with her young son when the incident happened. Her aunt alleges that two of the suspects raped the woman while the other two remained nearby.

“Because she is disabled, she was unable to scream for help. She could only speak softly,” the aunt said.

The relative said the woman attempted to reach her wheelchair during the attack. “When she tried to get to her wheelchair, they pulled her down.”

The suspects allegedly moved the wheelchair into the dining room before leaving the property. The woman's cellphone was also allegedly taken.

A neighbour later heard the woman struggling and calling for assistance. Community members were alerted before police and an ambulance were called to the scene.

Disabled Khayelitsha Woman Taken To Hospital After Alleged Attack

The disabled Khayelitsha woman was taken to hospital following the alleged assault, where she received medical treatment. Her aunt said she was also treated for a possible sexually transmitted infection.

“There was blood, and they had to treat her for a possible STI,” the aunt said.

The family is now seeking assistance to repair the property, which they say is not safe for the woman to occupy. The home reportedly has a leaking roof, broken windows and damaged flooring.

“Her parents and grandmother have died, and the house was left to her,” the aunt said.

The family says repairs are urgently needed, including replacing the broken window glass. “The house needs repairs. Glass is needed for the windows. It is not suitable for her to live in and it is unsafe, so we are asking for donations to repair it.”

Anyone able to assist with repairs can contact the family on 084 060 1745 or 072 405 6352.

Khayelitsha Rape Investigation Highlights Risks Facing Women With Disabilities

The Khayelitsha rape investigation has also drawn attention from Ilitha Labantu, an organisation advocating for women and children. Siyabulela Monakali said the case demonstrated the challenges that women with disabilities can face when seeking protection and support.

“The incident is deeply disturbing and raises serious concerns about the continued violence faced by women, as well as the additional vulnerabilities that women with disabilities may experience when seeking protection, support and justice,” Monakali said.

Monakali said the survivor was reportedly traumatised following the alleged attack while also living in an unsafe home. He said survivors with disabilities should be able to access healthcare, psychosocial assistance and the justice system without additional barriers.

The case comes as Western Cape police report a 3.8% increase in reported rape cases in the province during the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year.

The four accused remain before the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court, where the matter will proceed through the criminal justice process.