The 25-year-old man, who was arrested for the murder of an elderly woman who was found dead and naked in her bed in Bellville South a week ago, used to live with her, her family has revealed.
The suspect will be appearing in the Parow Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, the family of the late Cynthia Doubell said.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed the arrest last week: “The body of a 93-year-old female was found deceased in her home in Dammert Street in Bellville South on Sunday (1 August).
“The motive for the attack is unknown.
“A 25-year-old man has since been arrested and detained.”
Cynthia’s body was discovered by a neighbour after the ouma failed to come out of her house.
The neighbour told the Daily Voice: “I usually took ouma a cup of coffee when I see her sitting outside and we wondered where she was on Sunday.
It is alleged the man was drunk when he assaulted the ouma on Saturday night after she apparently scolded him when he wanted to go and sleep.
In a statement, granddaughter Aneeqah Doubell said her brother, his partner, their son and the partner’s 25-year-old son stayed in the house with Cynthia.
The suspect is the son of the partner and was not related to Cynthia.
“We regarded my brother’s partner as a caregiver for my grandmother and regularly checked in with her and sent money and food vouchers to contribute to the care of my grandmother,” said Aneeqah.
“My brother and his family lived with her because she said she would not let them down, she would not see them homeless.”
The suspect is expected to launch a bail application on Thursday.
dailyvoice@inl.co.za