Pietermaritzburg - A 71-year-old woman has been found dead in her Moosa Road home in Samanaville, Pietermaritzburg.
The body of Rita Sivsankar was discovered by her son, Ashwin, when he returned home from work on Monday at about 6.30pm.
According to a relative who declined being named, Ashwin came home to find the house in darkness, the doors to the home wide open and his mother lying lifeless on her bedroom floor.
It is believed Sivsankar had been outside taking clothes off the line when an intruder followed her into the house.
Police said that the home had been ransacked and that a number of household items had been taken.
However, the relative said that as far as they could tell, only one pair of takkies had been stolen.
Police spokesman, Major Thulani Zwane, said at this stage they could not determine the cause of death because there were no visible injuries.
The relative said Sivsankar had a heart condition.
“We are absolutely shocked and devastated. She was a wonderful woman and gentle soul,” the relative said.
Sivsankar, a widow, leaves three children.
Her funeral was held on Tuesday. Investigations are continuing and no arrests have been made.
The police have called on anyone with positive information to contact the head of Detective Services, Lieutenant-Colonel Phoswa, at 033 387 9622.