Nqadu village man held after grandmother killed

WILLOWVALE police have arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly murdering his grandmother.

Neighbours heard the 75-yearold woman screaming in the early hours of Thursday morning, at Nqadu village.

Police spokesman Captain Jackson Manatha said the motive for the murder was unknown.

“[Neighbours] rushed to her house and found her being stabbed by the suspect. The victim was rushed to hospital where she was certified dead on arrival,” Manatha said.

The man will appear today in the Willowvale Magistrate’s Court on a murder charge.

Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Liziwe Ntshinga condemned the killing saying: “This is another shocking and senseless case where an innocent elderly person was murdered.

“It must be emphasised that the safety of women and children is a top priority for the Eastern Cape police.

“The non-stop investigation of such cases is in line with our back-to-basics policing approach which requires efficient and responsive investigation of crime utilising all resources at our disposal to ensure that offenders are brought to book to face the consequences of their ruthless deeds.”

Several elderly women have been victims of violent crimes since the beginning of the year.

In April, Willowvale police opened a case of arson after Nonarethi Maseti, 70, was allegedly burnt alive in her house in Nkanku location, Chafutweni village, Willowvale.

Police said the Maseti family suspected that her house had first been doused with petrol before being set alight.

The family members, who were the first to arrive at the scene, smelt petrol.

In May, Butterworth police investigated the rape of a 68-yearold woman in a forest.

The woman had gone to collect firewood in the morning when she was allegedly followed by a suspect.

“It is alleged he borrowed an axe from the victim. He then allegedly threatened the victim with the same axe,” Manatha said at the time.

“He overpowered the victim and allegedly raped her. The suspect is expected to be arrested soon as he is known to the victim.” —