News24 | Family of murdered Gqeberha woman struggling to come to terms with callous killing

Sophie Erasmus was tied up and bludgeoned to death in her Gqeberha home last weekend.

• Eastern Cape Social Development MEC Bukiwe Fanta has arranged "psycho-social support" for the grieving family of a Gqeberha woman who was bludgeoned to death last weekend.
• Sophie Erasmus, 89, was killed in her home when she opened the door to someone she seemingly knew.
• A R20 000 reward has been offered for information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of the culprit.

The Eastern Cape Department of Social Development has arranged psycho-social support for the family of a murdered elderly Gqeberha woman.

Sophie Erasmus, 89, was murdered a few days before her 90th birthday.

The widow, who lived alone, was bludgeoned to death last Saturday morning after seemingly opening the door of her home to someone she knew.

Her body was found in a pool of blood on top of a coffee table, her hands bound, and face covered.

Insiders said when the police removed the cover from her face, it became evident she was assaulted, presumably with a blunt object, in the face and on the head.

The victim's niece, who wanted to surprise her aunt for breakfast as an early celebration for her upcoming 90th birthday, made the gruesome discovery.

On Thursday, Social Development MEC Bukiwe Fanta visited the Erasmus family.

Fanta was discouraged at the incident that followed on the heels of International Day for Older Persons, celebrated on 1 October.

"It is quite sad to learn about this gruesome and inhumane act. The department regards older persons as critical in the heritage, wisdom, and history of society.

"That is why care and support services to older persons as an intervention is a priority aimed at protecting them and upholding their dignity.

"Due to the unconcealed, extreme distress and fear instilled in the family, the department has acted decisively and arranged psycho-social support for the family."

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Fanta added the abuse, senseless attacks, and murder of the elderly demand a comprehensive and coordinated response from all sectors of society, including law enforcement agencies, government institutions, civil society organisations and community leaders. 

"We call upon law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into this case and to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable."

The victim's son, Geoff Erasmus, told News24 after consulting with his brother, they realised they were not ready to speak to the media about their mother yet, as the wound was still too fresh.

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"We are not yet ready to have appointments like these [with the media]. We are busy with lots of other things, but you can follow up with me on another day," he said.

Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said there have been no arrests in connection with the murder.

The autopsy results are also unavailable.

There is still a R20 000 reward for information relating to the identification, and successful arrest and conviction of the culprit.

Anyone with information can contact Sergeant Ralton Tarentaal at 064 119 4437 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.