BUSHBUCKRIDGE - A 39-year-old suspect, Samuel Malele, appeared in the Bushbuckridge Magistrate's Court yesterday on a charge of murder. 

It is alleged that on Monday morning, September 17, the suspect called the victim, his grandmother, into the house of which they were both occupants. Moments later the victim's son, (Malele’s uncle) heard strange noises coming from the house and ran to investigate. He allegedly found the suspect assaulting the woman with a shovel. When he wanted to intervene, Malela apparently threatened to kill him.

The son rushed to get assistance and upon his return, he discovered his mother’s lifeless body outside. The police were alerted and they responded quickly, arresting Malele at the scene. It is alleged that the suspect killed his grandmother because he suspected that she was practicing witchcraft on him.

Malele was remanded in custody and is expected to reappear in the same court on Friday, September 20, for a formal bail application. 

Editor: Anchen Coetzee
Subeditor: Lynette Brink
Submitted by: Brig Leonard Hlathi