TWO WOMEN BRUTALLY MURDERED IN BITYI, EASTERN CAPE

A devastating weekend in Bityi, Eastern Cape, has left the community reeling after two women were brutally murdered in separate incidents. The police have arrested two suspects in connection with the murders.

On Saturday morning, January 4, the body of a 45-year-old woman was discovered near a river in Ngweni locality, Sithebe A/A, Bityi. She had sustained severe head injuries. In a nearby locality, a vigilant employer noticed his 50-year-old employee, a shepherd, carrying a woman’s shoes and cellphone, which sparked suspicion. The employer took the shepherd to the Headman, who alerted the police.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the cellphone and shoes belonged to a 40-year-old woman, also from Ngweni locality, who had been murdered. The 50-year-old shepherd was arrested and charged with murder. He is set to appear in the Bityi Magistrate Court on Tuesday, January 7.

In a separate incident, a 40-year-old woman was found murdered in her room in Mgqumo locality, Sithebe A/A, Bityi, on Sunday morning, January 5. Witnesses reported that the victim had been arguing with her 59-year-old boyfriend on Saturday evening. The police arrested the boyfriend at Xhwili locality on Monday, January 6. He will appear in the Bityi Magistrate Court on Wednesday, January 8, charged with murder.

Acting OR Tambo District Commissioner Brigadier Vukile Ntuli condemned the brutal murders, stating that perpetrators of gender-based violence have no place in society and belong in jail.

The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.