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.

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 with investigation and search for the suspects. The investigation led the police to Klerksdorp where three suspects aged 23, 29 and 64 were arrested. The suspects who stayed on the same premises with the deceased, in a flat, were found in possession of the victim’s personal belongings that includes cellphone and wallet.

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

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela commended the farm worker, neighbours, family members and police officers who acted swiftly to ensure that the suspects are behind bars. 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 are expected to appear at Fochville Magistrate court soon, facing charges of murder and house robbery.

Source: South African Police Service