Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata is making a clarion call to the community for any information that can assist the police in finding the ruthless killer/s responsible for the brutal attack and killing of an 89-year-old woman from West End in Bethelsdorp.

Police were alerted to the murder of Ms Sophie Erasmus after a relative found her lying, face down on the lounge floor of her home in St Cyprian Street at about 09:00 this morning, 07 October 2023. Her hands were tied at the back with a tie. She was bludgeoned on her head and face with a blunt object. There were no signs of forced entry into the house. The only item suspected to have been taken, is her handbag.

Police suspect that the possible motive for the attack may be robbery.

Anyone with any information relating to the suspect/s is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Ralton Tarentaal at SAPS Bethelsdorp on 064 119 4437 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the nearest police station. All information is confidential, and c
allers may remain anonymous.

Maj Gen Ncata expressed his shock at this heinous and senseless attack on the elderly woman.’ We appeal to the community to come forward with information that can assist police detectives to trace and arrest the suspect/s immediately. If you know anything or saw anything, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant it may seem, to come forward and assist us in our investigation. Acts of violence such as this have no place in our society therefore, we must work together to bring the perpetrator/s to justice and together we will ensure that the memory of Ms Erasmus is honoured with justice,’ appealed Maj Gen Ncata.

Source: South African Police Service