• Martin Mohlasedi was attacked after refusing to let men rape a woman in his parents’ home.

• Community members tracked down the suspects hiding in Kanana and handed them over to the police.

A man who stood up to protect a woman from being raped has died in hospital from the injuries he got during the attack.

Martin Mohlasedi from Refentse in Hammanskraal was trying to stop a family friend and his friends from raping a woman when they turned on him.

He died at George Mukhari Academic Hospital a week later.

Martin had been visiting his family home when he met up with a family friend. They decided to catch up at his parents’ house and later invited a woman from the area to join them.

According to his brother Johanness Mohlasedi, things became bad when the men tried to take turns raping the woman.

“Martin refused and said he wouldn’t allow something so evil to happen at our parents’ house,” he said.

The woman told the family that a fight broke out after Martin tried to stop them. The men then attacked him using anything they could find in the house.

“When he collapsed, they turned to the woman and raped her before fleeing the scene, leaving both of them for dead,” said Johanness.

Neighbours found the pair in a bad state and called for help.

Community members later found the suspects hiding in Kanana and handed them over to the police.

“We want justice for my brother and the rape victim. Those suspects are animals and must not be allowed back into our community,” said Johanness.

Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said two suspects were arrested. They are expected to appear in the Moretele Magistrates Court for a formal bail hearing.

They face charges of murder and rape.

Pictured above: Martin Mohlasedi.

Image source: Facebook