A cry for help, left unanswered, has left a 26-year-old woman from Kwamathukuza dead.
The woman was involved in a heated quarrel with her boyfriend on Saturday, September 16.
“He allegedly assaulted her during the altercation and she ran to the neighbours, asking them to call the police,” confirmed Captain Shabir Ismael from the Newcastle Detective Centre.
Her pleas for help fell on deaf ears, and she returned home.
On Tuesday, September 19, the SAPS received a phone call from the woman’s neighbours who expressed concern after they had not seen her since the Saturday.
“We received the call at 9pm, and after we gained access to her house, we found a gruesome scene,” said Captain Ismael.
The victim’s body was found in her room, covered in blood.
The Newcastle Detective Centre, comprising of Warrant Officer Marina Nell, Warrant Officer Virendra Mahabeer, Constable Sibonelo Mpanza and Captain Shabir Ismael, immediately began investigating the matter.
After canvassing the area and speaking to neighbours, the unit linked the woman’s boyfriend to the murder.
“We found the suspect the following day, September 20, at the police station. He confessed to the murder,” Captain Ismael said.
The man claimed when the victim returned to the house on Saturday, their argument continued and in a moment of anger, he had pushed her.
“He said when he pushed her, she hit her head on the wall and fell to the ground. He then apparently left the house, claiming she was still alive.”
When he allegedly returned the next morning, he discovered she had died and fearing the consequences, he ran and hid in oSizweni.
When he heard the police were searching for him, he decided to rather hand himself over.
Newcastle SAPS Corporate Communications and Liaison Officer, Captain Jabulani Ncube, commended the Detective Centre for responding to the crime and making the arrest timeously.
“The Kwamathukuza community must also be thanked for assisting the police and contacting them after they noticed something was wrong,” he said.
Director of Newcastle Crisis Centre, Mary Dobbie, expressed her horror with the murder.
“This is the sixth woman who I have heard about that succumbed to domestic violence.”
The previous five women apparently approached her for advice, but still returned to their partners, who subsequently killed them.
“Over the past year, domestic violence has increased by approximately 35 to 40 per cent. What is worrying, is the cases are becoming more violent,” she explained.
While concerned about the increase, Dobbie was even more worried about the unreported domestic violence cases.
“So many women go through their entire marriages without reporting abuse. Either they are scared of losing their livelihood, or they are not aware of what is available to them.”
Dobbie encouraged domestic violence victims to seek assistance via the police station and the Crisis Centre.
“We can house women and their children until they find their feet,” she said.
Dobbie also urged neighbours to be more vigilant and to report incidents of domestic violence.
“People can report it to the police and remain anonymous,” she emphasised.
Women wishing to escape lives of abuse can contact the Newcastle Crisis Centre on 034 315 3389.
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