Maritzburg grandmother allegedly murdered and eaten by grandson

The death of Judith Ndlela last Wednesday has also thrown the Plessislaer police station into the spotlight amid allegations that despite several telephone calls to them for assistance, they did not respond in time, reports Maritzburg Sun.

Ndlela was allegedly stabbed to death by her 40-year-old grandson, Simphiwe Ndlela.

It is further alleged that Simphiwe, who was subsequently arrested and remanded in custody until February 20, was found eating a piece of her body.

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On Saturday, Minister of Transport Blade Nzimande, accompanied by members of the SACP, ANC, Cosatu, and Sanco, visited the Ndlela family. An emotional Nzimande said Ndlela’s murder came as a shock to him, as she was one of the elderly women who raised him.

“This incident does not concern the bereaved family alone. It has touched the hearts of all the members of the community. The mother of the child should not feel guilty about what happened. It is not her fault,” he said.

Nzimande criticized the Plessislaer SAPS for not assisting the family timeously.

“We have received many complaints about this police station not doing a good job and this does not sit well with us. This police station is a shame. I have asked the minister of police, Bheki Cele, to look into this police station and take action if necessary.”

Member of parliament and family member Shakes Cele said the suspect was raised by Ndlela.

“This is very sad and painful. I’m still shocked. I just cannot believe what has happened,” said Cele.

Plessislaer Police Station spokesperson Sergeant Mthokozisi Ngobese said the allegations of police not responding in time to the calls for help are false.

“People love to paint a bad picture about police officers. We were called after the incident had occurred and responded timeously,” he said.

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