Media Statement from Eastern Cape Media Centre

Corporate Communication

South African Police Service

14 September 2013

Several Charges including Housebreaking, Rape, Murder and attempted Murder is being investigated after three unknown males broke into a house in Vukani, Grahamstown and attacked the occupants of the house.

At approximately 02:00, the family including a woman in her thirties and four young girls aged between 8 and 19 (three of whom were relatives and a friend) were awoken by the unknown males who demanded for cash. After getting no money from the elder victim, they beat her with a hammer, raped and strangled her, they also stabbed the 15 year old on the head and bound her hands and and left her in the toilet.  The three other children, the elder niece of the deceased, the deceased's daughter aged 11 and her friend aged 8 were left unhurt but severely traumatized. 

The suspects fled with a Samsung Plasma TV, a Sony DVD with speakers and cell phones.  At around 06:00, the 15 year old niece of the deceased managed to get to a neighbor and summon for help.

Police are still at the scene combing for evidence that may assist with the investigation. Brigadier Vakala Moyake, Grahamstown's Cluster Commander, expressed shock at this incident. He said today, "A task team has been put in place to trace the perpetrators of this heinous crime. A seasoned detective has been assigned to this case. The victims are receiving medical treatment. The younger child that has been stabbed in the head is not critical. We will provide the necessary assistance to the young surviving victims. At this stage, we believe that the motive for this attack was Robbery."

An appeal is made to any member of the community who may be able to assist with the investigation to contact the Grahamstown SAPS on 046-6039147/9152.

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Media Enquiries:

Captain Mali Govender 

South African Police Service

GRAHAMSTOWN

046-6039111

046-6039115

ec.grht.comm@saps.gov.za

082 779 7123