Woman (78) found dead

Just a few days before the start of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign, a 78-year-old woman was found dead in her home in eMjika, Gamalakhe.

Margate police spokesperson, Sergeant Sibu Ncane, said the pensioner had been living alone.

He said Port Edward police are investigating an inquest case, adding that the SAPS is awaiting post-mortem results, to determine the cause of death. However, a family member who did not want to be named told Fever that they know that their grandmother was allegedly raped and killed.

“We used to live near the Gamalakhe TVET College but a few years ago our grandma decided to move to eMjika because the area is less busy. Because she lived alone, she used to hire some men from time to time to help her to clean the yard, fix the roof and those types of things. The neighbours and us as the family we have an idea who did this to our grandma, we just lack the proof,” said the grandchild, adding that they are devastated in the manner in which their granny died.

Ward 27 councillor, Mdumiseni Cele described the late Gogo Hlumayo as someone who was always full of jokes and who was very welcoming. He said he was saddened to hear the news of her passing because they had recently installed electricity at her home.

“What happened there is traumatising and sad. We are hearing stories as to what happened, who the community thinks is behind this, but we will wait on the law to take its course. We hope that the police will leave no stone unturned in solving this,” said Cele.
KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC, Nonhlanhla Khoza said there are a lot of heartless criminals who prey on older persons, adding that the murder of women is on another level of wickedness in our nation.

“We urge communities to always play their role, to protect the most vulnerable people in their respective villages. We are both angered and saddened by the barbaric murder of people who are the pride of our nation. We call on law enforcement agencies to work around the clock, to track down those involved,” she said.

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign takes place annually from November 25 to December 10.

Meanwhile, Gamalakhe police are inviting members of the public to participate in a joint 16 Days of Activism event organised by the station, the local CPF, Gamalakhe concerned residents, and Operation Sukuma Sakhe.

The event will happen on December 3 from 8am and is aimed at combating crimes against women and children. People are encouraged to wear a black T-shirt.

For further information contact 079 696 3447.

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