Murder investigation launched after University Estate senior citizen found dead

Woodstock police are investigating a case of murder of a 68 year old woman that was found dead in her University Estate residence on Monday September 22.

Provincial police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said the victim was found when contractors arrived at her residence in Ritchie Street, University Estate, around 11am. 

“ Upon close inspection, they found the woman inside the dwelling who sustained fatal injuries,” he said.

Warrant Officer Swartbooi said medical personnel declared the victim dead on the scene. “The unknown suspects fled the scene, and they are yet to be arrested,” he said.

Woodstock Community Policing Forum (CPF) acting chairperson, Gary Adams, said residents in University Estate are in shock at this murder. Mr Adams, who also lives in Richie Street, said that the resident had lived alone and had been living in the area for over 20 years, and was a German school teacher.

“The University Estate community is in a state of sadness and is mourning the resident’s death,” he said.

Mr Adams says that Woodstock police, Woodstock CPF, and U-Watch have been at the scene, where he says that the Woodstock police detectives have been knocking on doors to ask anyone if they know what happened.

Mr Adams says that while police are still investigating this crime, Woodstock CPF is calling on all residents to be vigilant and scrutinise anyone who is doing work on their properties.

Warrant Officer Swartbooi said that the motive for the attack is under investigation by the police. “We appeal to anyone to please call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or alternatively use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously,” he said.