The 51-year-old will appear for a formal bail application following the murder of Hannetjie Koen. Thabang Jan Monouna first appeared in the Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court on Monday (24/8). He was remanded in custody.

North West police spokesperson Capt. Majang Skalkie said Bloemhof police are investigating a case of murder following the attack on Koen at her home on Friday (21/8).

Her son, Boeta Koen, found an unknown man in the kitchen when he check on his mother at her home. “The man (51) allegedly told him he was working for his mother,” said Skalkie.

When Koen asked about his mother’s whereabouts, the man allegedly claimed she was visiting neighbours. “The son went to the neighbours to look for her, but they informed him she was not there. In the meantime, the unknown man left the premises.”

Koen returned to the house and found his mother in a back room with multiple serious injuries. “The victim was taken to hospital and was later transferred to a hospital in Vryburg where she subsequently succumbed to her injuries.”

The suspect was traced and arrested shortly after the incident with the assistance of community members. The investigation is still ongoing, said Skalkie.

According to Netwerk24, Albert Nel, a VF Plus councillor in Bloemhof, described Koen as someone who regularly helped elderly and vulnerable residents. He said she would assist people with tasks such as paying their cellphone bills and doing their shopping. Nel said a man had allegedly been hired to work in the garden at her home on the day of the attack, with neighbours reportedly seeing him at the property.

North West provincial commissioner Lt. Gen. Arthur Adams applauded police members for their swift response and the prompt arrest of the suspect. He emphasised cooperation from the community plays an important role in preventing and solving crimes.

Adams expressed his condolences with the family and friends of Koen, saying the perpetrator of the senseless killing of a vulnerable elderly person would face the full might of the law.

OFM News/Siyakholwa Mbatyazwa sm

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