ALI MPHAKI
SHOCK, anger and revulsion have greeted the news of the strangling of an 84-year-old Soweto granny in Zondi on Sunday.
Dorah Shumayeli was found with her hands tied behind her back and her mouth covered with a cloth.
Police spokeswoman Warrant Officer Kay Makhubela said she was found with foam coming out of her mouth, suggesting she had been strangled. Her ID, bank card, cellphone and R200 were missing.
Shocked neighbours in Zondi 1 described Shumayeli as reticent and who minded her own business.
She lived alone in house number 147 following the death of her husband John last year.
Her granddaughter, Mary-Ann Prince, said the family was baffled at how anybody in their right mind could kill an elderly person for just a cellphone.
“We thought that the people of Soweto have ubuntu, but this incident has made us think otherwise. We are deeply saddened by her gruesome death.”
Prince said the family understand that two weeks ago, Shumayeli’s long-time gardener had informed her that he was going to stop doing her garden and recommended a new person for the job.
The family understand that two young men arrived at the house on Sunday afternoon, ostensibly to do her gardening, and they suspect they are responsible for her death.
Makhubela said two men were taken in for questioning and when they failed to provide satisfactory answers, were locked up. He said they would be charged with murder and theft.
Shumayeli, originally from Kimberley, was a staunch Jehovah’s Witness and had been to church earlier on Sunday.
Her neat lawn and garden yesterday testified to the type of person she was.
“What is it that her killers hoped to gain by killing her? It would seem we’re living with monsters in our midst,” Prince said.
There was no forced entry into her house. Her body was found at about 5pm.