The decomposing body of a woman, believed to be the traditional healer who was last seen a month ago, was discovered in her home on Friday, 5 August, after a wellness check by a family member.
One of her relatives allegedly forcefully gained entry into the house and made the gruesome discovery following a frantic call from a neighbour about a foul odour coming from the elderly woman’s residence. The family member then called Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) for assistance and their spokesperson, Prem Balram said when the officers arrived they were led to a bedroom which was also used as a prayer room.
He said: “The body of the severely decomposed female, who was a traditional healer, was located on the floor. She was grasping a bucket. According to neighbours, they had last seen the woman nearly a month ago. They then contacted her family that afternoon after a foul odour filled the air surrounding her home. Her relatives arrived and broke a window before entering the residence. The deceased lived alone.”
Balram said the cause of death has not been confirmed and that the residents in the area informed officers that the elderly woman was unwell the last time that they saw her. The acting communications officer for the Verulam SAPS, Constable Bongiwe Ngcobo, confirmed the incident and said an inquest docket was open at the station.
“The 60-year-old women was living alone. Her neighbours grew worried when they got foul smells coming from her home a called the police. Her death seems to be due to natural causes, however investigations are currently underway for the exact cause of her death,” added Cst Ngcobo.
