The Smartiesville community is baffled that no arrests have been made for the brutal murder of 84-year-old Mrs Hansie Surajpal in January this year.
Mrs Surajpal, who lived on her own in a house in Maple Crescent, was found by neighbours lying on her bedroom floor after being strangled with her own sarie.
She was last seen alive earlier on the fateful day of her murder. Concerned neighbours noticed that her windows were open and her house was in complete darkness just before 10pm.
Knowing she would never go to bed with her windows open, they gained entry into the house and found her body.
The murder sent shock waves through Ladysmith.
Community members and family of the deceased say they are disappointed that no attempt has been made by police to catch the killer.
Speculation is rife that the gardener was involved, as he was the last person seen with Mrs Surajpal. However, these allegations have not been backed up with concrete evidence.
“She was a lovely and friendly woman we all treasured because of her generous deeds, and it’s a shame that her murderer is still on the loose after all this time,” said one upset Smartiesville resident.
Police have confirmed that no arrests have been made, but say they are trying to trace a gardener whom they believe could be of assistance in their investigation.
Unfortunately, no one has been able to assist by providing the man’s identity.
