The police are not divulging details about the investigation of the murder of Marietha Willemse (79) at Pinnacle Point Estate outside Mossel Bay. The estate has however revealed two burglaries, that took place in the vicinity of where the Willemse couple was attacked, was reported days after the incident.

Willemse’s body was found at 10:00 on Saturday, 4 June.

Police spokesperson Captain Malcolm Pojie says “It would be premature to divulge specific detail with regards to our investigation as it could jeopardise progress being made thus far.”

However, two burglaries at the estate, in the vicinity of the murder, were reported on Monday, Pinnacle Point Estate noted in a statement to the Mossel Bay Advertiser on Wednesday.

In reply to questions put to him by the Mossel Bay Advertiser, Pojie provided a statement on Wednesday.

He notes “Although an autopsy has been done, the result thereof will be made known in court.

“Forensic experts were back at the scene on Tuesday to continue their investigation on the scene. Nothing with regards to the motive has been ruled out yet. All clues are being followed up by investigators assigned to this case.”

The widower of Marietha, Johannes (85), was discharged from hospital on Wednesday according to the family’s attorney and friend, Llewelyn Curlewis. Johannes suffers from Alzheimer’s and dementia, Curlewis says.

Johannes was admitted to hospital with multiple stab wounds on the morning of Saturday, according to police spokesperson Captain Malcolm Pojie. Marietha died of a wound to the neck, caused by a sharp object.

Post-mortem

The post-mortem on Marietha was finalised on Tuesday and she was cremated the same day, Curlewis says.

The family is planning a memorial service, which would probably take place next week.

Curlewis says there are moments when Johannes wants to know where his wife is and what happened.

Pinnacle Point Estate, which has a reputation for good security, provided surveillance footage to the police to assist in the investigations and it is conducting its own internal probe, the estate notes.