A 86-year-old woman senselessly lost her life in an old age home in Emalahleni (Witbank) this past weekend. Her stolen vehicle was later recovered in Krugersdorp.

Brigadier Leonard Hlathi, Mpumalanga’s Provincial Police spokesperson, explained they have launched a manhunt for a suspect after the body of the elderly woman was found at the old age home.

The shocking incident is said to have occurred on the evening of Sunday, 31 January,” he said.

The police and medical personnel were called to the scene and upon arrival found the motionless body of the pensioner. She had multiple stab wounds, and paramedics pronounced her dead on the scene.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that her vehicle, a white Honda Jazz and some of her other belongings had been stolen.”

Hlathi said the victim seemed to have been held hostage before she was stabbed by her assailant who fled the scene with the stolen items.

The police then followed up on information that led them to Krugersdorp where her vehicle was found abandoned.

The person or persons who are responsible for this heinous crime are still being sought and a clarion call has been made to the public to assist with information that could lead to their arrest,” Hlathi said.

Anyone with information can call detective Lieutenant Colonel Solly Thobejane on 079 891 5845, or make use of the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Alternatively the public can send information via the My SAPS app.