Concerned neighbours made a gruesome discovery on Sunday after a 93-year-old ouma was murdered inside her home in Bellville South.
Police have since arrested a 25-year-old man who will appear in court soon.
According to Cynthia Doubell’s relatives, she was found naked on her bed and it’s believed she was also raped.
The Dammert Street neighbour, who found her, says: “I found ouma Cynthia naked on her bed, and I covered her body with her new blanket that she received from No Stop NGO last Wednesday.
“We called the police and didn’t touch anything else in the house.
“I usually took ouma a cup of coffee when I see her sitting outside and we wondered where she was on Sunday.”
Cynthia’s 60-year-old daughter, who declined to be named, says her mom lived alone.
“We are so shocked and sad about this,” she says.
“We do not know why anyone would do such a thing to her.
“I was in church when her body was found between 10am and 11am.
“It is believed that this thing happened early on Sunday morning.
“We think she was first raped and then murdered.
“Her body was very bruised but we are waiting for the police forensic report.”
The woman adds: “My mom raised three children alone and she also raised my children as her own. She was an icon in our family.
“She was very healthy for her age, she didn’t even use any medication, although she only had one kidney. She would have turned 94 in October.”
The neighbour, who found Cynthia, says she was well-known in the community.
“She liked to walk around and anyone who saw her would bring her back home,” the neighbour says.
Charlene Miles from the No Stop NGO says she saw Cynthia last Wednesday when she handed over a warm blanket to her.
Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi says Bellville South SAPS is investigating a murder: “The body of a 93-year-old female was found deceased in her home in Dammert Street in Bellville South on Sunday. The motive for the attack is unknown.
“A 25-year-old man has since been arrested and detained. Once charged, he is expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrates’ Court on a charge of murder.
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