Kimberley -
The naked body of 87-year-old Galeshewe grandmother, Agnes Galehole, was found in her home by her son early Monday morning after she was murdered and raped.
It is believed that the incident happened on Sunday night. The woman lived alone in her house in Belle Street, Galeshewe.
Her son, who was still shocked and traumatised by the incident, said that he normally visited his mother each morning to bring her food and medication because she was a diabetic.
“I went to her house around 10am as usual. I knocked on the door but there was no response so I peeped through the window to see if she was inside. I assumed she was sleeping.”
He said that he became worried as she was normally an early riser so he walked around the back of the house and managed to open the back door.
“When I got inside, the whole house was vandalised. It appeared as if there had been a struggle.”
The son said he called his mother’s name but there was no response. “I rushed into the bedroom and found her lying naked on the bed. She was covered in blood and she had been blindfolded with a black cloth.”
Police spokesman, Lieutenant Sergio Kock, on Monday confirmed that the Galeshewe Police were investigating the rape and murder of the 87-year-old woman.
“The son of the deceased found the naked body of his mother on her bed when he visited her to give her medication at approximately 9.50am.”
According to Kock, there was some swelling on the woman’s forehead.
Kock added that the door and security gate to her house were unlocked and no forced entry could be detected.
An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.
“No arrests have been made at this stage. The police request anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Detective Constable Paballo Motshepe at 082 469 0139 or call 10 111.
“All information will be treated with the strictest of confidence. The investigation continues.”
It was rumoured on Monday that a screwdriver was found lying next to the dead woman’s bed.
A neighbour, who was present when the woman was discovered, described her as a dear friend. Several elderly women from the area gathered at the scene to express their horror and concern.
The group of elderly residents, who were in a state of shock, said that it was the first time that something like this had happened in their area. “We believe she was targeted because everyone knew she stayed alone.
“We now fear for our own lives. We don’t know who will be next or who is responsible for this terrible deed. This lady used to lock herself in her house and she believed she was safe.”
The residents also questioned the lack of police visibility in the area. “The sad part is that we don’t know who to trust any more.”
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