Wave of Violence Against Elderly Women in Ratanda Continues
Another horrific murder has rocked the community of Ratanda as police investigate the brutal killing of 62-year-old Martha Peoana Mofokeng. This latest incident adds to the growing fear in the area, following a series of attacks targeting elderly women in recent weeks.
According to police reports, the attack occurred at Mofokeng Street, Extension 3, on Thursday morning (January 30).
Ms. Mofokeng was at home with her five-month-old grandchild after taking her four-year-old granddaughter to crèche. When her 15-year-old granddaughter returned from school at around 15:30, she found the kitchen door open and entered the house.
“As she looked down the passage, she saw her grandmother lying on the bedroom floor, facing the passage,” said police spokesperson Constable Moss Maluleke. “She then heard the baby crying in the bedroom. When she tried to wake her grandmother, there was no response. That’s when she noticed blood in the bathroom and a wound on her grandmother’s head.”
The teenager screamed for help, and a neighbor came to assist, immediately calling the police. Paramedics arrived on the scene and confirmed that Ms. Mofokeng had died.
During the police investigation, disturbing details emerged. “The victim’s underwear was found around her ankles, her skirt was pulled up, and she had a stab wound on the left side of her neck,” Maluleke confirmed. “A forensic pathologist was called to the scene, and her body was later transported to Heidelberg Mortuary for further examination.”
The motive for the attack remains unclear, and investigators are working to determine whether Ms. Mofokeng was sexually assaulted before being murdered.
Growing Fear in the Community
Ms. Mofokeng’s death marks the third violent killing of an elderly woman in Ratanda in just over a month. Earlier this month, 72-year-old Nomthandazo Mthombeni was found murdered under similar circumstances, and in November, 71-year-old Patricia Masondo was also found stabbed to death in her home.
The shocking pattern has left residents terrified and calling for urgent action from law enforcement. “We are living in fear,” said a concerned neighbor. “Elderly women are being targeted in their own homes, and we need the police to do more to catch whoever is behind these brutal attacks.”
Police are appealing to the community for any information that could help solve these cases.
“We are pleading with anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious to come forward,” said Maluleke. “Even the smallest detail could help bring justice to the victims and prevent further attacks.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Ratanda Police Station at 016 343 7014 or speak directly with the Detective Commander at 079 692 4853.
A Call for Justice
As investigations continue, the community remains on high alert, hoping that authorities will soon bring those responsible to justice. In the meantime, residents are urged to be extra vigilant and to look out for their elderly neighbors.
The police have assured the public that they are prioritizing these cases and deploying all available resources to track down the perpetrators.