Cape Town – The Eastern Cape Department of Social Development is reportedly providing psycho-social support to the family of Sophie Erasmus, an 89-year-old woman who was brutally murdered a few days before her 90th birthday in Gqeberha.
The widow was bludgeoned to death after opening her door to someone she knew.
According to News24, her body was found with her hands bound and her face covered in blood.
According to insiders, it became apparent that she had suffered an assault, likely involving a blunt object to her face and head when the police uncovered her face
Social Development MEC Bukiwe Fanta expressed sadness over the incident and emphasised the importance of protecting and upholding the dignity of older persons, the report said.
Eastern Cape police said 89-year-old Sophie Erasmus was found by a relative lying face down on the lounge floor of her home in St Cyprian Street at about 9am on Saturday.https://t.co/LNsjbWz5KR
— IOL News (@IOL) October 9, 2023
Fanta called for a comprehensive response from all sectors of society to address the abuse and senseless attacks on the elderly.
According to the report, Geoff Erasmus, the son of the victim, said that after discussing the matter with his brother, they concluded that they were not emotionally prepared to discuss their mother with the media at this time, as the pain was still too raw.
Additionally, he said: “We are currently occupied with various other matters, but you can reach out to me on a different day.”
The police have not made any arrests in connection with the murder, and a reward of R20 000 is being offered for information leading to the identification and conviction of the perpetrator.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
