Strangulation has not been ruled out by police, who have arrested a 53-year-old man in connection with the murder of a 78-year-old woman in Fish Hoek.
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This was confirmed by the police following the discovery of the deceased at her home in Lavendon Road on 16 March.
SAPS spokesperson Malcolm Pojie said the woman’s body was found in her residence at about 1pm when members responded to a call from a friend who could not reach her after they were supposed to go for exercise.
“Upon arrival members were alerted to the kitchen window that was open of which the burglar bar was also forced open,” said Pojie.
“This indicated that the suspect(s) could have gained forced entry into the residence and accosted the deceased.”
“Upon further investigation, members found the lifeless body of the 78-year-old in one of the rooms.”
“The circumstances and the motive for her death forms part of ongoing investigation into her death.”
“The possibility that she could have been strangled is not excluded but cannot be confirmed yet.”
“However, an autopsy result which is awaited, will give guidance and direction to the investigating officer regarding the possible cause of death,” he added.
The suspect was arrested on 17 March and appeared in the Simon’s Town Magistrates’ Court on Monday on a charge of murder. The case was remanded to tomorrow (23 March).
According to IOL, the Fish Hoek Community Police Forum (CPF) thanked SAPS and the neighbourhood watch for their joint operation that caught the suspect.
“Following the tragic murder of a Fish Hoek resident on Thursday morning, the CPF can now confirm that a suspect was tracked and arrested on Friday.”
“The investigation is still ongoing but the suspect will be appearing on Monday in Simon’s Town court.”
“The CPF could not release this information until the charges were confirmed and we hope that the news of such a swift arrest will reassure everyone that every effort is being made to protect the community from criminals.”
“We would like to thank SAPS and the NHWs for the outstanding joint-operation that caught the suspect and will hopefully result in justice for the victims and their families.”
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