One woman murdered, another stabbed
One woman was raped and murdered and another stabbed last week.
Constable Mpho Mashakane, the Cleveland SAPS communications officer, said police officers received information about a woman lying on the pavement at the corner of Darling and Doran streets in Jeppestown on August 30.
“The officers went to the scene and found a woman half naked. Her face was badly injured. Neighbours said that at about 2am they heard noises outside. When they checked to see what was happening, they saw a white vehicle with two men driving away from a woman,” said Const Mashakane.
Paramedics were called and the woman was certified dead. A case of murder and rape was opened for investigation.
On September 1, a woman was approached by a suspect at the corner of Buckingham Road and Royal Oak Street in Kensington.
“The suspect stabbed her with a knife on the right cheek and left hand. He took her handbag, cellular phone and cash before fleeing the scene,” said Const Mashakane.
Mrs Lornette Joseph, the chairperson of the I Love Kensington Association (Ilka), was shocked when she was informed about this incident. She urged people to be vigilant.
“Ilka wishes the woman a speedy recovery. It is really distressing to hear of incidents like this,” she said.
Ms Bernadette Wentzel, the chairperson of the Cleveland Community Police Forum Sector 3 group, said the surge in violent crime against women across the country can no longer be tolerated.
“It is an act of cowardice. In less than a month, Sector 3 has lost two women in brutality. I am at a loss as to how any perpetrator of crimes such as rape and murder of women can feel manly,” she said.
Ms Wentzel added it is not only crimes against women that frustrate her, but children and the elderly too.
“These are the most vulnerable. They deserve protection, respect and honour. It is time for Sector 3 residents to unite to protect our daughters, sons, sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers. Crime knows no race, age, sex, politics or social status. Crime does not discriminate. Crime has no conscience. It is time for residents to realise and accept we are all potential victims of crime. Crime is not a once-off scenario. It has, in most cases, the ability to leave a devastating effect. It ripples through to families and friends. Prevention is always better than cure,” she said.
She urged residents to attend the Cleveland Community Police Forum Sector 3 public meetings and to take a stand against criminal activity.
“Report crime to the Cleveland SAPS by calling 011 677-5700. Do not wait for someone else to do it. You be that someone else. Remaining complacent is not working. It is not a deterrent to crime. Work together with us so that through neighbour networking and legal means, we can start eradicating crime,” said Ms Wentzel.
For further information on the CCPF Sector 3, or if you wish to join, e-mail ccpf.sector3@gmail.com or contact Ms Wentzel on 071 514 2224.
To communicate with Ilka, e-mail chair@kensington.org.za
Anyone with information regarding these incidents should contact the SAPS.
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