Cape Town - Women in Atlantis are fearing for their safety after 35-year-old Siphokazi Silulo was stabbed and torched to death, allegedly by her boyfriend.
The Witsand Neighbourhood Watch says a separate brutal attack happened not long ago when another woman was stabbed several times, also allegedly by her boyfriend. She also had boiling water poured over her.
Fortunately, the woman survived and the man was arrested.
On Saturday night, residents made the gruesome discovery of Silulo’s body with stab wounds, after noticing that her shack was in flames.
Police spokesperson FC Van Wyk said Silulo’s boyfriend would appear in court for murder once charged.
“Atlantis police are investigating a murder case after a shack fire on August 6 at about 2:30am at a premises in Moki Street, Witsand, Atlantis. According to reports SAPS members received a complaint of a shack that burned at the above-mentioned address and on arrival found Fire and Rescue already busy extinguishing the fire. The deceased was found lying in front of the shack with burn wounds. An inquest case was opened for investigation. On further investigation, it was discovered that the deceased sustained stabbed wounds and according to witness reports, the deceased was last seen with the boyfriend. Information was followed up and the boyfriend, a 29-year-old man, was arrested,” said Van Wyk.
The community patrol helped police nab the suspect.
Witsand Neighbourhood Watch chairperson Pathiswa Nokrayo said their pleas for a safer community have fallen on deaf ears.
“The couple was drinking with friends when they had an argument. After the argument, the suspect asked the lady if they could go and sleep. That is when the suspect stabbed her and set the house on fire and locked the door. We were called around 2am and were told that a shack was on fire. When we arrived the residents were already inside trying to take her body out from the burning shack but she was already dead.
“As women, especially us on the neighbourhood watch, we don't feel safe at all because we deal with men who are murderers. Some don't like what we are doing and we end up being targets. The incident is very disturbing and what is worse is that it happened during Women's Month - a month where men are supposed not to even put a finger on a woman but it seems that the messages from the government and other organisations is falling on deaf ears,” said Nokrayo.
The community will have a peaceful march to the Atlantis Magistrate's Court to oppose bail.
In an unrelated incident, the body of a 15-year-old girl with stab wounds was found dumped in a dirt bin in front of an old woman’s house in Crossroads last Monday. The suspect who was seen dumping the body escaped and has not been arrested.
Anyone with information can anonymously contact Crime Stop at 086 0010 111 or SMS Crime Line at 32211.
Cape Times