An 89-year-old woman was bludgeoned to death in her Eastern Cape home. Police have asked that anyone with information regarding this brutal murder contact them. Picture: David von Diemar/Unsplash
An elderly woman was bludgeoned to death at her home in Bethelsdorp, Gqeberha.
Eastern Cape police said 89-year-old Sophie Erasmus was found by a relative lying face down on the lounge floor of her home in St Cyprian Street at about 9am on Saturday.
"Her hands were tied at the back with a tie. She was bludgeoned on her head and face with a blunt object. There were no signs of forced entry into the house. The only item suspected to have been taken, is her handbag," said Eastern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu.
She said the police suspect that the possible motive for the attack may be robbery.
Naidu told IOL on Wednesday that no arrest has been made.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Major General Vuyisile Ncata has called on the community for any information that could assist the police in finding the ruthless killers responsible for the brutal attack and killing of the elderly woman.
"We appeal to the community to come forward with information that can assist police detectives to trace and arrest the suspect/s immediately. If you know anything or saw anything, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant it may seem, come forward and assist us in our investigation.
"Acts of violence such as this have no place in our society; therefore, we must work together to bring the perpetrator/s to justice, and together we will ensure that the memory of Ms Erasmus is honoured with justice," Ncata said.
Anyone with any information relating to this incident should contact Detective Sergeant Ralton Tarentaal at South African Police Service (SAPS) Bethelsdorp on 064 119 4437, Crime Stop on 086 001 0111, or the nearest police station.
"All information is confidential, and callers may remain anonymous," she said.
IOL