Gang-rape victim, 82, dies

2003-02-09 23:00

East London - An 82-year-old Grahamstown woman died in hospital on Sunday after she was brutally assaulted and allegedly gang-raped by three men on Thursday.

Madge Fergusson of Ayliff Street in Grahamstown suffered severe head injuries after she was apparently savagely beaten with fists during her ordeal.

She was admitted to St George's Hospital in Port Elizabeth where she died just after 17:00 on Sunday afternoon.

Police spokesperson Captain Nomazwi Nkombisa said Fergusson was believed to have been working in her garden around noon on Thursday when she was approached by three men.

"They are believed to have dragged her into her home where they raped and assaulted her before they fled after locking the house," Nkombisa said.

Nothing stolen, motive probably rape

She said there were no signs that anything had been stolen which indicated that the motive for the attack might have been rape.

"An inventory will be done with the family and if it is found that anything is missing a case of robbery will be added to the charge of rape currently under investigation."

According to a source, Fergusson was due at a meeting at 13:00 on Thursday. When she did not show up two friends went to look for her.

When they found the house locked, they looked through a window and saw her lying on the floor. Fearing that she might have suffered a stroke, a local security company was alerted and the house was opened.

According to a paramedic who treated Fergusson at the scene, her injuries were the worst he had seen in a long time.

- SAPA