A 40-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of his 87-year-old mother in Sebora village, Ga-Mashashane, outside Polokwane. The victim was allegedly hacked to death inside her home before her body was dismembered.
Horrific Discovery
Police made the gruesome discovery after responding to a missing person’s report filed by a concerned neighbor who had not seen the elderly woman for over two days. Upon arrival, officers found the victim’s dismembered body parts stored inside plastic buckets. Several items believed to have been used in the crime were also recovered at the scene.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed the arrest of the deceased’s son. “It was discovered that the woman was killed and dismembered, with her body parts placed in buckets. As a result, the suspect was immediately arrested,” Ledwaba said. The accused is expected to appear in court on Monday to face a murder charge.
Outrage and Condemnation
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe strongly condemned the incident, urging communities to report any signs of potential gender-based violence (GBV) to prevent such tragedies.
The Department of Social Development also expressed anger and sadness over the killing, linking it to the rising cases of violence against elderly individuals and women. “We are enraged by this incident because just weeks ago, we raised concerns about escalating GBV, particularly targeting the elderly and children,” a department representative said.
Support for the Bereaved
Social workers have been dispatched to provide trauma counseling and psychosocial support to the grieving family. Authorities emphasized their commitment to ensuring justice, with hopes for a successful prosecution and appropriate sentencing.
The motive behind the murder remains under investigation.
