Three Suspects Arrested for Elandsfontein Farm Murder

GAUTENG – Police arrested a mother, son and friend following the murder of an 84-year-old woman in Elandsfontein farm, Fochville, yesterday.

The suspects were traced to Klerksdorp in the North West province where they were arrested, said the South African Police Service (SAPS) in a statement on Tuesday evening.

SAPS said: “It is reported that the farm worker reported on duty at the farm on Monday morning. He knocked at the door looking for his employer.

“After receiving no response he became suspicious. He walked around the house and noted the bedroom window that was forced open.

“He immediately informed the next door tenant and they called family members who subsequently notified the police.

“Upon searching the house, police found the body of the woman hidden underneath the clothes in the dining room.”

Police immediately started an investigation and search for the suspects.

SAPS said the investigation led them to Klerksdorp where three suspects aged 23, 29 and 64 were arrested.

The suspects apparently lived on the same premise as the woman who was murdered. They lived in a flat and were found in possession of the victim’s personal belongings including her cellphone and wallet.

The suspects’ house was also opened and some stolen property was recovered in the house, said SAPS.

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela commended the farm worker, neighbours, family members and police officers who acted swiftly to ensure the suspects were arrested.

“Crime against elderly people remain one of our priorities and police will ensure that those who take advantage of defenceless senior citizens are hunted down and brought to justice,” said the Provincial Commissioner.

The suspects will appear at Fochville Magistrate court, facing charges of murder and house robbery. No date was announced.