The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Net closing on brutal killers of Monifieth woman in Cape Town
Sensitive case: Motive for slaying of grandmother in gated community remains a mystery
The net is closing on the brutal killers of a Tayside woman hacked to death in her South African home.
Western Cape Police have confirmed that progress is being made on the sensitive case but no suspects are yet in custody.
Police opened a murder case after Sandra Malcolm, originally from Monifieth, was found in her Lakeside home on April 20.
Last week an autopsy revealed multiple stab wounds as the cause of death and South African media reported her body had been mutilated by her attackers.
Her family were in Cape Town for a memorial service to the grandmother, who had lived in South Africa for the last 35 years.
Members of Mrs Malcolm’s family were too distraught to speak when contacted by The Courier.
Police had initially reported the killing as a robbery gone wrong but sources confirmed nothing had been taken from the house and the motive remains a mystery.
The 74-year-old had reportedly been planning a visit to Dundee to see family before the tragic incident.
Western Cape Police spokesman Captain FC van Wyk said: “The investigation is ongoing and progress is being made.
“Please note that no arrests have been affected as yet.
“A murder case was opened for investigation. The motive for the killing is unknown at this stage.
“The autopsy reveals multiple stab wounds as the cause of death. Nothing was taken from the home.”
Mrs Malcom’s grandson is believed to have climbed through a bathroom window to investigate after she failed to answer her door.
Forensic experts and detectives combed the scene for hours, with neighbours and relatives looking on.
South Africa is one of the most dangerous countries in the world, with 16,259 intentional killings in a single year – equating to more than 40 a day – in contrast to the UK’s 600 per year.
Middle-class South Africans live in gated communities like the one Mrs Malcolm lived in at Lakeside.
Private security is a large industry in the country, with almost half a million people employed as private security guards – more than the South African police force and military combined.