A 31-year-old man is due to appear in the Cacadu Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 29 June 2026, after being arrested in connection with the alleged murder of a 64-year-old domestic worker in the Ndonga Administrative Area near Cacadu.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the fatal incident occurred at around 11:00 on Saturday, 27 June, at the home of an elderly woman living with a disability who depends on full-time care.
Police said the domestic worker had arrived at the residence to begin her daily duties and was heating water in preparation for household chores when she was allegedly confronted by the elderly woman’s grandson. The suspect reportedly questioned why she was at the property.
As the elderly homeowner attempted to explain the worker’s presence, the suspect allegedly went to his bedroom, fetched an axe, and attacked the domestic worker.
The victim reportedly fled the house while screaming for help. Neighbours responded to her cries and attempted to intervene, but were unable to prevent the attack. She sustained fatal injuries and was declared dead at the scene.
Members of the Cacadu Crime Prevention and Detectives Unit arrested the suspect shortly afterwards at the property. He has since been charged with murder.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Major General Rudolph Adolph, strongly condemned the killing, expressing concern over the continued violence against vulnerable members of society.
“The law must take its course to eradicate such barbaric conduct in our communities,” said Major General Adolph.
Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing.
