The body of an elderly woman aged between 60 and 65 was found hidden under a matress that was covered with blankets at Elukwatini on Monday January 27.

The Elukwatini police received a call saying there was a woman who was found dead in her house.

“On arrival, the police found an elderly woman (60-65) naked with bruises and strangle marks on the neck and she was bleeding from the nose and private parts. She was hidden under her matress and blankets,” said Elukwatini police spokesperson, Sergeant Wiseman Nkosi.

ALSO READ: Update: Malelane Gate elephant victim was trying to save children when it trampled him

He said all relevant stakeholders were called to the scene and the Embhuleni emergency services personnel certified the woman dead.

Nkosi said police discovered that some items were missing from the elders’ house; a new set of pots, cell phones, television and her smart identity card.

“It is also suspected that the senior citizen might have been raped, looking at the circumstances in which her body was found, the bleeding from her private parts and the injuries she sustained,” said Nkosi.

He said a preliminary investigation led to a 35-years-old African male being taken in for questioning.

“Investigations are continuing to shed light on what might have happened and lead to perpetrator/s being brought to book,” explained Nkosi.

He asked anyone with information that could assist in solving this heinous act to contact Elukwatini Detective services standby number 082 798 0396 or branch commander, Lieutenant colonel Rinckie Sithole on 082 822 8357.