Former Edenvale business owner arrested for wife’s murder

The wife of a former Edenvale CBD business owner was murdered two days before the launch of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

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Started 20 years ago, the international campaign was launched to create awareness about GBV.

It starts annually on November 25.

The Linbro Park resident was stabbed multiple times at The Reid on November 23 allegedly by her husband, who was arrested the same day.

Sandringham Police Station’s communications officer Sergeant Phindile Mavuso said Sergeant Thwala responded to the scene on November 23 after receiving information from the family of the deceased.

“On arrival, the officer found a woman lying motionless in the kitchen,” said Mavuso.

“The family informed the officer that they had received a phone call from the suspect alleging that he had killed his wife.”

Mavuso said the victim had sustained several stab wounds. She was declared dead on the scene by paramedics and her body was transported to Hillbrow Pathologists.

“They found the suspect hiding on top of an electricity box 100m from the scene, inside the complex.”

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He was arrested and detained at Sandringham SAPS. The murder weapon was not found following a search.

Mavuso said because the suspect couldn’t talk due to being diabetic, he was later taken to Tembisa Hospital by ambulance under police guard.

“The motive for murder is unknown but security personnel alleged that there were previous reports of abuse.”

On November 25, Mavuso said the suspect was still in the hospital.

It is unclear when he will appear in court.

As the suspect has not yet appeared in court, the Bedfordview and Edenvale NEWS withheld the identity of the deceased.

Learning about the murder, community members expressed shock and sent their condolences to the family of the murder victim.

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In light of the murder and with the launch of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, Edenvale CPF chairperson Sheryl Damerell highlighted the importance of speaking out about GBV and reporting abuse.

She said the CPF is often faced with terrible incidents.

“Sometimes the crimes we witness are caused non-intentionally. However, the cases that hurt the most are when there is domestic violence involved,” said Damerell.

“GBV is a serious pandemic in our society and it is something we should not have to deal with.”

She said when a woman, wife, mother, sister or child is being abused it is heart-breaking.

“I don’t want to have to face another call where the wife has been murdered by her partner,” said Damerell.

“It is soul-destroying for the family and all the responders.”

Damerell emphasised that women and victims of GBV need to know there are people out there who care and who want to help. She said if anyone needs assistance, they should contact Edenvale CPF.

“You do not deserve this, you did nothing wrong, we know you are scared and tired, but it is time to act. These cowardly bullies must have no more control.”

Damerell urged the community to stand together.

With the arrival of the activism campaign, Damerell said the CPF also launched a red lipstick initiative in collaboration with Rebel Up Coaching.

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She said the initiative challenges residents, schools and businesses in the greater Edenvale and Greenstone community to wear red lipstick every Friday during the campaign to unite against GBV.

Community members are encouraged to upload their photographs and use the tags #16DaysOfActivism, #RebelUp and #SpeakUp.

“Friends, family and neighbours need to intervene. We need to stand together against this awful surge of violence, we cannot let it go on.”

GBV may be reported to ECPF at info@edenvalecpf.co.za or Edenvale Police Station on 011 454 5026.

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