Cape Town - The police are investigating the death of a woman whose body was found dumped in Browns Farm, Philippi on Women’s Day.
Philippi police arrested a man believed to be involved in the murder of the woman.
The suspect was arrested on August 9, at a shack in the community, after community members alerted police to his whereabouts.
Police spokesperson André Traut said: “We can confirm that the body of a woman was discovered in Browns Farm on Monday morning.
“One suspect has since been arrested after he was caught and beaten up by community members.
“The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, and once charged the suspect is expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on a charge of murder and rape.”
Philippi councillor Nkululeko Mgolombane said while the community had calmed down overnight, they were still shaken by the incident.
“After discovering the body, residents came across a man they believed to be the suspect.
“He had bloody stains on him and when he was questioned he kept saying he had been slaughtering a pig that, that’s why he was bloody.
“As a community, we are happy he was arrested and is in police custody, however, our hearts are still saddened that yet another woman has lost her life in such a horrific manner.
“Our prayers are with the victim’s family, my office will be working to see how best we can support them through this time,” said Mgolombane.
Civil society organisations say they are concerned about how GBV in local communities is seemingly gaining momentum.
Ilitha Labantu spokesperson Siyabulela Monakali said: “As an organisation that advocates for the rights of women and children for over 32 years we are deeply concerned by the spike in incidents of femicide in the townships of the Western Cape.
“Femicide has reached pandemic proportions and we call for greater efforts from all sectors to help curb this scourge.
“Violence against women poses a significant social and economic threat to South Africa’s development as a whole.
“The murder of women is one murder too many, and we urge everyone to play their part in breaking the silence of GBVF plaguing our communities,” he said.