Family suspects murder after woman found dead in veld

WHILE the Kimberley SAPS Serious and Violent Crimes unit has opened an inquest docket after the body of a 29-year-old woman was found in the veld behind Beacon Primary School on August 4, the family of the deceased believes that she was murdered.

Relatives stated that Shanay Solomons was last seen on Saturday. Her half-naked body was discovered by a six-year-old boy in the veld near the Department of Education’s provincial offices on Monday afternoon.

“It cannot be a natural death, and whoever is responsible for her death must be brought to justice. It appeared as if soil was stuffed into her mouth. She did not deserve to die in this manner. She was well-known in the area and was also a drug user,” a family member said.

They added that Solomons is survived by a young child.

SAPS Northern Cape spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock said an autopsy would be conducted to determine the cause of death.

Kock dismissed claims that two suspects were captured on CCTV footage from cameras at the Department of Education.

“Investigations are continuing,” he added.

The director of the Shaine Griqua Advice and Development Centre, Shaine Griqua, said he and paramedics covered the body with a blanket while they waited for the police to arrive at the scene.

“We were waiting for the police, who were attending to a foetus that had been found at the Kimberley dumps. There appears to be a shortage of police vehicles,” Griqua said.

He expressed outrage and sorrow over Solomons’ death.

“Her lifeless body was discovered in the overgrown veld behind the informal settlement and the Northern Cape Education Department’s provincial office in Colville.

“She is remembered as a bubbly and vibrant young woman. Her half-naked body was found in a neglected area that is unsafe, overgrown, and poorly lit. Public spaces of this nature become breeding grounds for criminal activities.”

Griqua said he was convinced that Solomons was murdered and believed she may have been raped.

“We call for the swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible. We stand with the Solomons family, friends, and the Kimberley community in grief and anger. 

“We will not stop fighting for justice and safer communities. Justice for Shanay Solomons must be urgent and uncompromising,” Griqua added.