The Phoenix community is reeling in shock following a fatal stabbing in Hexham, Phoenix, which claimed the life of 83-year-old blind grandmother Kamatchee Naicker and left her 63-year-old daughter critically injured.
Residents of the Hexham area were left shaken by the violence that erupted within what appeared to be a peaceful family home. Private security company Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) said the victims were discovered in pools of blood inside their home just after 6 pm on Monday, 9 June.
Rusa spokesperson Prem Balram said: “A man arrived at his residence and found the door locked. He attempted to attract the attention of his wife and elderly mother without success. He then gained forced entry into the house and located both females in pools of blood in the passage.”
“The Rusa Phoenix operations centre received multiple calls for medical assistance from neighbours after they heard the man calling out for help. Rusa paramedics were immediately dispatched and arrived at the scene at approximately 6.45pm. The pensioner was declared deceased upon examination by paramedics. She sustained multiple stab wounds to her face and body, while her daughter’s throat was slit and she had sustained large stab wounds to both her cheeks, neck and hands. She bled extensively from her injuries, but paramedics stabilised her on scene before rapidly transporting her to hospital. A large blood-stained butcher knife was found in the passage, while a second smaller knife, which was bent in the attack, was also recovered,” added Balram.
The suspect, who is the daughter’s 20-year-old son, was arrested shortly after the incident by SAPS Phoenix and charged with the murder of his grandmother and attempted murder of his mother. The motive behind the attack is still under investigation.
A close relative, who spoke to the Phoenix Tabloid, said: “The family is not aware of what actually happened on the day of the gruesome attack. We received a call to come to the house, and when we got there, there were so many stories going around. Our entire family is in shock and cannot process that a family member has done something so despicable to his own family.”
“What’s even more shocking is that he murdered someone who considered him as the apple of her eye. My grandmother was blind and harmless – we ask ourselves, what could have gone through his mind to cause such damage to our family. A precious life was lost, and another is fighting to live in hospital. As a family, we want justice, and the law to take its course.”
Messages of condolences and calls for justice have been pouring in on social media platforms.
Lorraine Chetty said on Facebook: “This is extremely heartbreaking and devastating. The pain we feel as a community is immense. No one deserves to die that way – especially someone so defenceless.”
Freddy Perumal added: “This is so tragic. Praying for the wife’s swift recovery. Condolences to the deceased lady’s family. Hope that the perpetrator is arrested as soon as possible and dealt with harshly. There’s no place for criminals in society.”
In an official statement, the Phoenix Community Police Forum (CPF) extended their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and offered their sincere appreciation to the Phoenix SAPS for the swift arrest of the suspect. CPF vice chairperson Mark Nadasen said: “We commend the SAPS for their swift and coordinated action in apprehending the alleged perpetrator, following the heartbreaking murder of an elderly woman and the brutal stabbing of her 63-year-old daughter, who remains in critical condition. Your rapid response and relentless pursuit of justice in the face of such a heinous crime has brought a measure of comfort and reassurance to our grieving community.”
Nadasen added: “This tragedy has deeply shaken our neighbourhood, and we are reminded once again of the importance of a strong and proactive partnership between law enforcement and the community. The Phoenix CPF stands in full support of the SAPS in ensuring that our streets are safer, and that justice is served swiftly and fairly. We continue to keep the victim in our thoughts and prayers, and we send our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. May her soul rest in peace.”
KZN police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda confirmed the incident. He said: “Police in Phoenix have arrested a 20-year-old man for murder and attempted murder following an incident where an 83-year-old woman was stabbed to death and a 63-year-old woman sustained multiple stab injuries during a stabbing incident which occurred at a house on Hexham Road in Phoenix on 9 June. The suspect appeared before Verulam Magistrates Court on Friday, 13 June.”
The funeral service of the late Kamatchee Naicker was held on Saturday, 14 June in Sunford, Phoenix. Naicker leaves behind five daughters and son-in-laws, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
