The community of Cebhane, Mtwalume, is in shock after the body of an elderly woman was found in a sugarcane field in Woodgrange, en route to Stick Farm, South Coast, KZN, earlier this week.

The body of Victoria Funzani Jubele (75), who had been missing for over a week, was identified by her family on Tuesday evening.

Jubele was last seen on June 12 in Hibberdene collecting cans behind Pick n’ Pay at the Hibberdene Shopping Centre.

Ward 16 councillor in Umzumbe, Bhekani Mngoma, says after the woman failed to return home, the family contacted him, and a search was launched by community members in Hibberdene and Cebhane areas.

“We reported her missing at Hibberdene SAPS, and the Dog Unit was sent out to help us, but we could not find her. The search was also carried out in the cane fields, where most of the women who were victims of the serial killer were dumped. Violence against women needs to stop, and we call on the head of police to assist the community of Mtwalume to end this scourge,” Mngoma adds.

KZN police spokesperson Captain Adam Francis confirms that a body was found on Tuesday and a murder case has been opened at Hibberdene SAPS.

“Hibberdene police responded to the scene on a farm in Cebhane where the body of an elderly woman was found. A post-mortem examination will conclusively establish the cause of death, says Francis.

The chairperson of Women of Mtwalume, Nombuso Sibisi, says Jubele was well-known along this route as she collected cans weekly. It seems like she was targeted.

Sibisi says other similar cases include those of Simphiwe Nzama of KwaMakhoso and Sinethemba Shibe of Murchison, who are missing; Lungelo Myende and Lindiwe Ngcobo were shot dead recently. There is silence from the police, we want answers,” Sibisi concludes.

Jubele has five children and many grandchildren, who all depend on her pension and the money she makes from collecting cans.

Her son, Bonginkosi Jubele, says that as a family, they are hurt and do not know how life will be without their mother.

“We are hoping that the police find the culprit who killed our mother in such a gruesome manner. We are waiting for the post-mortem before we decide on a date for her burial,” Bongikosi adds.