Gender-based violence (GBV) continues to rear its ugly head in Bloemfontein despite organisations and the Free State government's attempts to raise awareness.

A week ago, the Free State government marched to Hoffman Square where Premier Mxolisi Dukwana and his MECs addressed residents on this matter. Police have launched a search for suspects who murdered two elderly women whose bodies were discovered in Caleb Motshabi, Bloemfontein.

Free State Police spokesperson, Mahlomola Karelia, said the body of a 34-year-old woman was discovered on Sunday (24/11) after SAPS members received information about a body wrapped with cello tape inside a shack at Caleb Motshabi.

‘They found the bodies of two women, aged 91 and 66, on the bed’

“Members rushed to the address and found the shack locked on arrival, but drag marks were spotted leading to the pit toilet. They discovered the body of a 34-year-old woman who was identified as Sinah Bantjies, wrapped in cello tape and covered in mud.

“A 43-years old suspect, who had fled the scene, was traced and arrested in Botshabelo by Kopanong detectives. He will appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court soon for murder,” he said.

On Wednesday (20//11), Kopanong police received a call about two bodies in a shack at T13 in Caleb Motshabi. There they found the bodies of two women, aged 91 and 66, on the bed.

‘Sarah Sentlholo (91) died of poisoning’

Police initially opened two cases of inquest for further investigation, and preliminary post-mortem results revealed that the two were murdered as Sarah Sentlholo (91) died of poisoning and her daughter, Rebecca Moyetsane (66), was strangled.

Police are appealing to anyone who might have information that may assist in the investigation of these two counts of murder to contact Detective Seargent Matli or visit the nearest police station.

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