Mom brutally killed on Mother’s Day

Son held by police after woman has throat slit, eye gouged out

Mother’s Day was a day of horror in Lipota in Ginsberg when a woman’s throat was slit and an eye gouged out, allegedly by her son.

Pamela Nkatsha is still in disbelief at how her 68-year-old mother, Buyiswa Rayi, was killed on the very day mothers were being celebrated. Thulani Nkatsha, 36, has since been arrested for his mother’s killing. He appeared in court and was denied bail, according to police on Monday.

Pamela said trouble had been brewing on Saturday, but she had no idea the weekend would take such a tragic turn.

The woman, who lives down the street from her mother, alleged that Rayi and her son had fought over money early on Saturday. When tensions escalated, Rayi sought refuge at a neighbour’s house at 6am. Pamela contacted the police, who responded to the call. However, the accused had reportedly fled into the bush.

“We begged her to go and stay with her older sister, but she disagreed,” said Pamela.

Her mother returned home later that day. It was the last time her daughter and neighbours saw her alive.

The following morning, on Mother’s Day, a neighbour walked past Rayi’s house and became suspicious when he saw her door was open. He noticed the woman lying on the ground, motionless. The neighbour ran to Pamela’s house and together they rushed back to Rayi’s house.

It was alleged that the accused was there, armed with a hammer and would not allow anyone inside the house. The police were called.

Pamela said four police vans arrived and tried to open the burglar gate, but were prevented by the accused. The police officers, who fired warning shots, eventually managed to gain entry to the house. The accused fled to the toilet where he was apprehended by police.

Pamela said her mother lay on the concrete floor, her throat slit and her eye gouged out. She said they could see that the blood had been wiped up. Later they discovered bloodied blankets hidden under a bed.

The narrow street in the township was filled with shocked neighbours.

Provincial SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana said: “The suspect was arrested, and appeared in court on Monday. No bail was granted.”

Pamela, who said Rayi had a protection order against the accused, was emotional while speaking about her mother’s final moments to the Dispatch on Monday.

She said they had planned a special Mother’s Day surprise for her. The family were going to treat her to a dinner with her 86-year-old sister in Zwelitsha.

“We saw how traumatised she was about her living situation,” said Pamela, who was at a loss for words over the slaying.

When the Dispatch arrived at the home on Monday, the tworoomed house was filled with neighbours, mostly elderly women, who came to pay their respects to the family. Residents said they were “horrified” and “shocked” by the incident.

Ward councillor Bongani Dyonase strongly condemned the killing and urged the government to take action to protect the elderly.

“It is with great sadness that we hear about such a tragedy in our community. My heartfelt condolences to the family.

“Words seem inadequate to express our sadness over the passing of Buyiswa in such a brutal manner. As they grieve, they should remember and honour her memory,” said Dyonase.

Pamela said they had planned a special Mother’s Day surprise for her. The family were going to treat her to a dinner with her 86-year-old sister in Zwelitsha