North West Premier Thandi Modise expresses shock at Swartruggens woman's gruesome murder
North West Premier Thandi Modise has expressed shock at the gruesome murder of a woman whose body was discovered behind a tavern in Swartruggens with her breasts cut off.
“We wish to condemn in the strongest terms possible the horrendous act that resembles a muti killing. We call on the Swartruggens community to assist police with their investigations for the heartless murderer/s responsible for the ghastly act to be removed from society before he/they strike again. No stone should be left unturned,” Premier Modise said.
Modise emphasised that escalating incidents of gender based violence call for united action against the scourge and for real men to stand up to protect women and girl children.
According to police, the body of the woman, believed to be aged between 26 and 30, was discovered by a passer-by on Sunday afternoon in the bush behind a tavern near the Swartruggens shopping complex.
Police Spokesperson Captain Pelonomi Makau said that the woman was found half-naked wearing only a T-shirt.
“Her face was smashed with a stone... Her breasts were cut off and her private parts slightly cut with an unknown sharp instrument,” Captain Makau said.
Her stomach had also been cut open. Police were awaiting the results of the post mortem to determine whether she had been raped before the murder, Makau said.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele, Spokesperson
Cell: 083 629 1987
Tel: 018 388 3705
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
