A 48-year-old man has been arrested for murdering his 82-year-old mother after she was found dead with injuries to her head and face at their home in Xikukwani village, Limpopo.
The man, who told police he had found his mother injured after returning from a drinking spree, was later linked to the killing by investigators.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said police in Giyani received a murder report at about 1am on Wednesday and responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, officers found the elderly woman lying on a bed with visible injuries to her head and face. Emergency Medical Services personnel certified her dead at the scene.
Ledwaba said preliminary investigations established that the woman had been living with her son, who initially reported the incident to police.
The suspect allegedly told officers that he had returned home from a drinking spree during the early hours of Wednesday and found his mother lying on the bed with injuries to her face.
“Police commenced with an investigation and subsequently linked the son to the murder. He was arrested and is facing a charge of murder,” Ledwaba said.
Police investigate possible sexual assault
The investigation has since widened, with detectives also probing suspicions that the elderly woman may have been sexually assaulted.
“An additional charge of rape may be added should the investigation establish sufficient evidence to support such a charge,” Ledwaba said.
The man is expected to appear before the Giyani Magistrate’s Court soon.
Provincial commissioner condemns killing
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Jan Scheepers condemned the killing and called on communities to protect vulnerable people.
“The killing of an elderly mother, allegedly at the hands of her own son, is a shocking violation of the most basic values of humanity. We condemn this heinous act in the strongest possible terms,” Scheepers said.
“The SAPS will pursue this matter relentlessly, and whoever is found responsible must face the full might of the law.”
Police said the investigation is continuing.
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