Double murder accused confesses after police nab him in Bluff store
Shane Boucher allegedly stabbed an elderly woman and her daughter on the back of their heads with a sharp instrument and escaped with their vehicle.
WANTED by police for allegedly stabbing and bludgeoning a 75-year-old woman and her 58-year-old daughter in Pietermaritzburg last month, Shane Boucher was nabbed by vigilant detectives from Brighton Beach SAPS at a local food store in Bluff, on Tuesday, June 14.
Luck ran out for the 38-year-old who was on the run from police when Detective Captain Brad Varley from Brighton Beach SAPS Detective Services visited a local food store within the Bluff policing area and noticed Boucher’s strange body language as he entered the store.
Varley was chatting with a fellow colleague from SAPS Airwing, Warrant Officer Riaan van Zyl, at the entrance of the store when Boucher, dressed in a hoody covering his head and wearing a face mask, lowered his head and prevented eye contact as he walked passed the two police officers, dressed in uniform.“His strange body language was suspicious and prompted Varley to follow the man into the convenient store while Van Zyl guarded the entrance. The suspect was followed as he walked through the store and he was approached at the cash point. Varley identified him as the same suspect circulated via various media platforms sought for a double murder in Pelham, Pietermaritzburg, in May 2022. He was arrested and taken to Brighton Beach SAPS,” said communications officer of the Brighton Beach SAPS, Captain Louise le Roux.
After contacting the investigating officer dealing with the double murder, Varley further established that Boucher had stole a Chevy Spark motor vehicle, which was recovered in the Amanzimtoti area, about a week prior to his arrest.
“SAPS commends Varly for his vigilance and prompt response, which had resulted in the arrest of man who had imposed acts of violence upon two vulnerable women, who died a violent death by his hands. A wanted fugitive is now behind bars. The suspect confessed to the murders. He faces two counts of murder, aggravated robbery and theft of a motor vehicle charges,” said Le Roux.
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Varley said he was proud to have been able to identify the accused, and is glad he is behind bars. “When I grabbed him, he grappled with me trying to get away, but I managed to bring him to the floor using minimum force. The store manager assisted me by providing cable ties to help constrain him. I feel good that I brought justice to the female victims. He had made a confession and is facing possible imprisonment of two life sentences, which I hope he receives,” said Varley. KZN police spokesperson, Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo, confirmed that Thursday, May 26, at 19:45, the bodies of a 75-year-old woman and her 58-year-old daughter were found at their house at Oribi Village in Pietermaritzburg.
“They were allegedly stabbed with a sharp instrument at the back of their heads. Nothing was taken inside the house expect the vehicle that was stolen. The vehicle was recovered in Amanzimtoti the following day. The suspect appeared at the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday, June 17, for murder, robbery and theft of a motor vehicle and he was remanded in custody. The matter will be in court again on Monday, June 20,” said Ngcobo.
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