Good Friday murder: Body found in shack after three days

Shock and outrage have gripped the Galeshewe community after the body of a woman – allegedly murdered on Good Friday – was discovered three days later, hidden inside a shack in Stone Street.

Residents say the victim, who was the partner of a local correctional services official, was only removed by forensic services on Monday afternoon whereupon the suspect was arrested by the police.

It is believed the victim was stabbed and violently assaulted.

Shocked residents added that the couple had moved into the shanty – an outbuilding situated on the premises – three days before the alleged incident.

“We did not suspect anything untoward and never heard any fighting or screaming.”

They indicated that the suspect contacted the caretaker on Monday to request keys to access his residence.

“He claimed that he had to jump over the fence, as he was mugged and that his set of keys was stolen.”

“There were scratches on his face, but we never took much notice of the injuries. He appeared calm, as if nothing had happened.” 

Residents explained that the landlord decided to call the police to forcefully open the shanty. 

“The police peered through the window but were unable to see anything as the curtains were drawn. They broke a window to gain entry and found the body of the deceased covered by a blanket that was soaked in blood.” 

SAPS Northern Cape spokesperson Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the Galeshewe Serious and Violent Crimes Unit arrested a 44-year-old man for the alleged murder of his 44-year-old partner in Galeshewe on April 21. 

“The investigations are continuing,” he added. 

National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the accused made his first court appearance in the Galeshewe district court on Wednesday, April 23. 

The Department of Correctional Services did not respond to media enquiries.