The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality executive mayor Gary van Niekerk, and civil society organisations under the One People, One Vision: Healing Our Bay banner, have raised a R20 000 reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of the murderer(s) of Sophie Erasmus (89).
The octogenarian was found deceased in her West End home in St Cyprian Street bound and with head wounds.
Van Niekerk described the callous murder as cowardly and brutal.
“It is unthinkable that criminals bludgeoned a defenceless elderly woman to death during an alleged robbery. Is there no more respect for life and limb?
“My office started the One People, One Vision: Healing Our Bay initiative in collaboration with over 700 churches, to pray and take a stand against violent crime, gender-based violence, corruption and the general moral decay of our Metro.
“It therefore comes naturally that we are entering the fray as the wave of rampant crime cannot continue unabated.”
Van Niekerk further stated that he hopes the reward will lead to the speedy arrest and successful prosecution of the culprit or culprits.
“We are also working hard behind the scenes to improve crime prevention, law enforcement and the co-ordination of different role players from SAPS, Metro Police, private security and community policing forums.
“Our closed-circuit TV control room is back online, and strides are being made to have a more co-ordinated response to crime in place in the near future,” said Van Niekerk.
Anyone with information regarding the murder of Mrs Sophie Erasmus can contact Detective Sergeant Ralton Tarentaal at SAPS Bethelsdorp on 064 119 4437, crime stop on 0860 10111 or the nearest police station.
