Kimberley - The man arrested for allegedly murdering Bettie Thenza in Promised Land in the early hours of Sunday morning has been released from police custody.
The half-naked body of Bettie Thenza, 33, was found by a passer-by, laying in the middle of the street in Promised Land.
She was naked from the waist down. Her 31-year-old boyfriend was taken into custody for questioning.
Police spokesman, Lieutenant Sergio Kock, confirmed on Wednesday that the man had been released on Monday because there was not enough evidence to charge him with murder.
Kock said several exhibits had been confiscated and these would be sent for forensic tests and utilised during the investigation.
“The police are waiting for the autopsy report, which will also form part of the investigations.”
However, residents were outraged on Wednesday that the man, who they described as dangerous and abusive, had been released and they threatened mob justice.
“We all know that he killed her. He was abusive to her and always threatened to kill her and now he finally got it right,” they said.
“We don’t care what the law or the investigating officer says. We will not forgive him.”
Apparently the man has not returned to his shack in Promised Land and is staying with family.
“He is unstable and we are living in fear that he will come after us because he saw us giving statements to the police,” a resident said.
She added that they did not want him living in the community. “He is aggressive and always looking for a fight.”
The police have requested that all information regarding the incident be forwarded to Detective Warrant Officer Anthony Shuping on 078 194 7402 or 08600 10111.
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