VEREENIGING. – Two accomplices – tenants who lived on Fenn’s smallholding in Sonland Park, Vereeniging – were also arrested in connection with the kidnapping and murder.
All three suspects are expected to appear in the Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday 15 February 2023 on charges of kidnapping and murder.
Fenn was reported missing by her grandchildren on Friday 3 February after she failed to return home on Thursday 2 February 2023.
According to Capt. Fikile Funda, spokesperson for the police in the Sedibeng District, the deceased, who renders garden services, was driving a white KIA bakkie when she was last seen.
According to Funda, Fenn’s burnt-out bakkie was later discovered on a farm near Sasolburg in the Free State.
“A camera on the R59 highway shows the Kia Bakkie being followed by a white Opel Kadet. It was later established that the vehicle on the footage belongs to one of the tenants who resided on the deceased’s property.
“Further investigation led to the arrest of another tenant and the son of the deceased on Saturday 4 February 2023 on charges of kidnapping,” says Funda.
The son of the deceased also lived with Fenn on her property.
The investigation continued and on Monday 6 February 2023 the body of the deceased was found at Redan smallholdings. It had already started to decompose.
This resulted in murder charges being added to the charges of kidnapping.
“After an intensive investigation and the gathering of information a warrant of arrest was obtained for the tenant who owns the Opel Corsa vehicle that was used to follow Fenn before her death.
“The tenant was re-arrested together with his wife. They have appeared in the Vereeniging magistrates court on Monday 13 February.
In a statement issued by the police, Funda thanked the police, the Vereeniging station commander, Brig Ndaba and the Vereeniging detective service who put in extra long hours over the weekend after hours for justice to be served.
Funda also thanked Vereeniging VISPOL and sector managers for running round the clock, as well as the Sedibeng district’s detectives who gave their support and assistance.
Funda also thanked all Sedibeng SAPS units, as well as the Vereeniging chief prosecutor for continuous guidance for case to stand in court.
Funda also thanked PHO CRC and Vereeniging LCRC for all forensic evidence collected under difficult circumstances, as well as neighbouring police stations and private security companies who provided both human and physical resources and Community Policing Forums and the community at large for availing themselves and their own equipment during the search.
