Free State Social Development MEC Mathabo Leeto visited the disadvantaged family of Nonzenza Mtsi (87) in Phauameng, Bultfontein, whose brutal murder in the community has led indignation.
Mtsi was stabbed in her house eleven times after withdrawing her social subsidy, apparently on Friday (3/1). Her body was discovered the next day by her great -grandchild.
“It is heartbreaking that the killing of our older people in our province will continue to exist,” said Leeto. “As a department, we respect the independence of the elderly and we do not argue for their forced move to old age houses without their permission.
“The perpetrator that MME Mtsi killed, however, is considered a young person, not an elder. We demand rapid action from the police to arrest and bring this criminal to court. ‘
She offered her condolences to the victim’s family and called on the community to work together to protect the elderly. She also forced the youth in Bultfontein to take responsibility for the protection of the elderly in their neighborhoods.
Department of spokesperson Thembile Nqabeni said that the inhabitants of Phamameng expressed their concern about a house that is visited by people who are concerned with resource abuse. They claimed that the police often ignored the suspicious activities at the location. MEC Leeto promised to collaborate with other departments to guarantee the safety of the community.
Murder on the elderly, women and children in the province continue to express their concern. On Monday (6/1) a 55-year-old was deadly stabbed in grassland, reportedly by her daughter (20) during an argument. The suspect was arrested and an investigation is underway.
In Smithfield, a 36-year-old was discovered by a friend who lies lifeless on her bed with several injuries on her head and body. A man (37), reportedly found with some possessions of the victim, has been arrested for her murder.
In Thaba Nchu, a five-year-old Tuesday was found dead in a garden in zone 4 extension (7/1). The police arrested a man (64), who was seriously beaten by a crowd. A bloody knife that was the murder weapon was discovered in the suspect’s house.
‘These acts of violence tear our communities apart’
Provisional studies indicated that the man with the child was briefly seen before the boy screamed and collapsed with a stab wound in his neck. Allegedly the child shouted around his aunt, who was in the house before he fell to the ground.
Leeto repeated the dedication of the province to tackle GBV and to protect vulnerable groups. “These acts of violence tear our communities apart. We must unite to end these atrocities and keep perpetrators responsible. “
Spokesperson for the Free State Police, Mahlomola Kareli, confirmed that investigations into these incidents are underway. The suspects are expected to appear in different courts soon.
The MEC emphasized the importance of community cooperation in tackling the root causes of violence, so that the elderly, women and children of the province are safe in their homes and neighborhoods.
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