Galeshewe residents are consumed by grief and outrage following the brutal murder of a 76-year-old grandmother in Chris Hani Park on 24 January. The elderly woman was found beheaded in her home, a horrifying discovery that has left the community reeling and vowing swift retribution.
The shocking details emerged when Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock, confirmed the arrest of a 35-year-old man, a close relative of the victim, on 28 January at 7:15 pm.
“The suspect was arrested in connection with the brutal murder of a 76-year-old granny,” Kock stated. He detailed the grim scene: “The body was discovered by a family member on January 24, at about 7am, who later informed the police. The deceased was found on the dining room floor with her head decapitated from her body.”
The arrest, while offering a measure of solace, has not quelled the community’s fury. Enraged residents have openly threatened to take the law into their own hands, vowing to burn down the suspect’s shack if he is granted bail. “He poses a danger to society. Who will be the next victim? We are not even safe inside our own homes,” they declared, expressing deep-seated fear and insecurity.
A community meeting held on Wednesday saw residents uniting in their opposition to bail for the suspect. Local community leader, Lawrence Mkhwanazi, emphasised the need for a swift and thorough investigation: “We will allow the law to take its course but want to ensure that justice will be served. We are standing together to support the family during this difficult time. Keeping quiet about violent crimes and domestic abuse will only allow wrongdoing to thrive behind closed doors,” he stated, underscoring the community's resolve to prevent similar tragedies.
Adding to the already heavy atmosphere of fear and anger, the suspect’s girlfriend applied for a protection order against him on Thursday, fearing for her own safety and that of her 16-year-old daughter. “She is traumatised and in need of counselling,” Mkhwanazi added, highlighting the ripple effect of violence extending beyond the immediate victim.
Neighbours described the victim as a “sweet, peaceful person,” who had lived on the street for over 30 years, raising her three children there. They noted a recent, dramatic change in the suspect’s behaviour over the past three months, suggesting a possible need for psychiatric evaluation and rehabilitation.
“The grandmother was a sweet, peaceful person. She did not deserve to die such a cruel death. She lived on this street for over 30 years and raised her three children here. She was meticulous
about keeping her yard clean,” they said, painting a picture of a life tragically cut short.
Anna Bogacwe, a member of the community policing forum, expressed the collective trauma felt by residents: “I have not been able to sleep properly following the incident. I cannot imagine the pain the grandmother had to endure. I do not blame anyone – no one brings up a child to be a criminal. We are here to offer the family any assistance they might require,” she said, offering a note of compassion amidst the anger and fear.
The incident has also highlighted the growing concern over the link between drug abuse and the escalating violent crime in the area. Residents expressed deep worry about the safety of other elderly people living alone in the community.
“We also have elderly parents and grandparents who are staying alone and we are worried that they may also be harmed,” they said, expressing a widespread anxiety about future safety and security.
Lieutenant-Colonel Kock urged anyone with information to contact Detective Warrant Officer Patrick Dibebe on 060 861 6893, or the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, or utilise the MySAPS app. He assured that all information would be treated confidentially.
