Man questioned for city woman’s murder released
COLLEAGUES of Chareen Augustine, neé May, 56, will continue holding lunchtime pickets outside the offices of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in the Kimberley CBD until her killer is apprehended.
A suspect was questioned by the police last week in connection with Augustine’s murder but was later released.
Relatives of Augustine indicated that the suspect could not be placed at the scene of the crime, although he was the only person who had keys to the house. “There was no forced entry into the house.”
The Kimberley SAPS Serious and Violent Crimes Investigation unit is investigating a murder case after Augustine’s body was found at her home in Stamford Street on August 20, where she had apparently been strangled to death.
A close family friend, Beverly Samuels, pointed out this week that the bereaved family is no closer to obtaining justice.
“DNA evidence has been sent for testing although it may take several months for the results to be made available. It is a wait-and-see game. We hope that the DNA results will link the perpetrator to the crime and that the guilty parties will be held accountable. Chareen would have done her utmost to fend off her attacker,” said Samuels.
She stated that an order had been obtained to go through Augustine’s banking account to scrutinise transactions that were made before and after her death.
Samuels added that the family had provided the police with a list of possible witnesses who could assist in the investigation.
“The police have committed to
follow up all leads. However, we will continue to hold lunchtime pickets in support of Chareen, until the suspect is brought to book. We will not allow her death to go unchallenged.”
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-colonel Sergio Kock said the police apprehended a 46-year-old suspect in Durban on September 7.
“He was called in for questioning in connection with the case and was released on September 9,” said Kock.
“Anyone with information regarding the incident is requested to contact Lieutenant-colonel Teboho Mosebo on 079 529 3914. Alternatively SMS to 32211 or on the MYSAPS app. Police investigations are continuing,” he added.
Responding to criticism that the investigation was not receiving the necessary attention from the police, Kock said that gender-based violence remained a top priority.
“Collaborative and concerted efforts and programmes have been put in place to prevent and fight this scourge of violence perpetrated against our women and children.”