As millions prepared to bury Nelson Mandela on Sunday 15 December, an Extension 7 family woke up to the horrific news of the gruesome murder of their 78-year-old relative and her 17-year-old granddaughter.
As millions prepared to bury Nelson Mandela on Sunday 15 December, an Extension 7 family woke up to the horrific news of the gruesome murder of their 78-year-old relative and her 17-year-old granddaughter.
Scores of residents gathered outside the house where Welekazi Duma and her granddaughter Bekithemba were murdered and allegedly raped in the early hours.
In a statement later that day, police spokesperson Captain Mali Govender said the possibility of sexual assault had not been ruled out.
Speaking to Grocott's Mail at the scene on Sunday, neighbour Baas Ntshoko expressed shock and anguish at the incident. Ntshoko said it was strange that none of the family's close neighbours had heard the commotion that must have come from the house.
"It's very sad what happened in that house, but the neighbours say they heard nothing. I am sure those people were screaming when this happened to them," he said.
The community has called on the police to be more visible in the area. Ward 11 councillor Mncedisi Gojela said he had requested a meeting with Visible Policing Commander Colonel Malibongwe Ntsabo, in which they discussed ways to combat increasing crime in the area. Gojela said they had called on the police to set up a mobile police station in the area.
On Wednesday Gojela told Grocott's Mail that a relative of the two victims had been taken in for questioning by local police officers. He said the young man had had samples drawn for DNA testing.
The police, however, emphasised that the relative was not a suspect. They said they had taken someone in for questioning.
Govender said, "At approximately 6.30am on Sunday, the 26-year-old grandson and sister of the deceased victims discovered their bloodied bodies in the house."
She said both victims had sustained injuries to their upper bodies, adding that the possibility of sexual assault had not been ruled out.
Govender said investigators had combed the scene for evidence until after midday.
"The motive for the killing is not known," she said. The police have not made any arrests.
The cruel nature of the incident drew the attention of Makana Mayor Zamuxolo Peter, who condemned the incident and saying he was on his way to Miki Yili, when Council Speaker Rachel Madinda-Isaac called him about the incident.
"I drove straight to the scene," he said.
Peter urged the community not to take the law into their own hands.
Acting Cluster Commander Brigadier Morgan Govender, who also visited the scene, said, "A team of seasoned detectives has been assigned to the case."
The police appealed to anyone who may have information to contact detective warrant officer Manzana at 082 779 7117.
